Historic Brownsville Church Faces Wrecking Ball Once Again

BROWNSVILLE, BROOKLYN — Our Lady Of Loreto is in peril once again after a judge rescinded a restraining order that prevented its demolition.

The church on Sackman and Pacific streets was first slated for destruction in March when the city granted demolition permits to Catholic Church officials, who are planning to replace the historic Italian Renaissance-style building with affordable housing units.

But Brooklyn Cultural Coalition activists were quickly able to delay its demise by successfully petitioning Brooklyn Supreme Court judge Bernard G. Graham to issue a stay on the demolition.

The stay protected the church until Justice Ellen Spodek could rule on arguments made by former parishioner Jillian Mulivhill — who submitted the stay of demolition motion — and Catholic Charities in a hearing on May 9 in Brooklyn civil court.

But Justice Spodek ruled against the Mulvihill on June 1st and declined to sign off on her preliminary stay of demolition, court records show.

The judge decided against Mulvihill because she lacked legal standing to take on Catholic Charities, did not name defendants in her motion, and because the funds necessary to restore the church have yet to be found, according to a Brooklyn Eagle report.

But the BCC has not given up hope.

“We’re resolute, until all avenues are exhausted,” said BCC spokeswoman Monica Kumar at a protest outside Catholic Charities' downtown Brooklyn headquarters on Wednesday.

Kumar noted that Our Lady of Loreto will be safe until the justice's decision is officially filed and the Department of Buildings lifts its stop work order.

In the meantime, BCC attorneys will prepare to take the case to appellate court and the church will remain in "procedural limbo," Kumar said.

“We’re nervous and we’re disappointed," said Kumar. "But we’ve got a strong case and a good story to tell.”

Photo by Kathleen Culliton