SENATOR AVELLA AND BAYSIDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNOUNCE FUNDING ALLOCATION

(Bayside, Queens) On Sunday, Senator Avella was joined by members of the Bayside Historical Society (BHS) to announce a $50,000 State funding allocation to the group for building upgrades and the preservation of the historical Lawrence Cemetery.

The Cemetery is located in a wooded area at the corner of 216th Street and 42nd Avenue, in Bayside. This plot of ground is part of the original patent granted by the Dutch Governor Keift of New Amsterdam to John and William Lawrence and others in 1645. The first burial took place in 1832 and the last in 1939. Through the efforts of BHS, the site was landmarked in 1967.

Thanks to a funding allocation by Senator Avella during his tenure in the City Council, an iron rod fence was erected to surround the cemetery on two sides. However, the rest of the fencing has long required extensive renovations.

Part of the funds will also be used to upgrade the HVAC system inside the beautiful BHS building in Fort Totten. The BHS building is also a City designated landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.