The New York Attorney General’s office moved to intervene in the foreclosure sale of the Elmhurst site at 47-11 90th Street to safeguard a burial ground believed to hold the remains of about 300 formerly enslaved Black people and to ensure buyers are informed about the human remains and legal obligations before any purchase.

Under the Unmarked Burial Protection Act, disturbing the site remains illegal until all legal protocols are completed, prompting the AG to act to protect the grounds.

Community and city leaders are seeking to protect a historically African burial ground beneath a vacant parking lot tied to St. Mark AME Church, with ongoing efforts to secure landmark status or memorial designation.

Zillow estimates the land at about $10 million, but local advocates argue the site’s historical and cultural value far exceeds market value and warrants protection.

Historical context links the burial ground to the United African Society of Newtown and the St. Mark AME Church, with ties to Jackson Heights dating to a 1908 church merger.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission was mentioned as the body that could decide landmark status, with follow-up on LPC steps encouraged.

Notable historical events include a 2011 discovery of a fully mummified woman during construction and prior 1920s eminent domain actions, followed by a 1930s de-mapping of the cemetery.

Advocates urge the city to acquire the land and create a formal memorial and education center to honor the buried individuals and provide historical context.

They also push for the property to be purchased out of foreclosure and designated as a landmark or converted into a memorial/green space managed by the parks department.

The site’s history includes decades of abandonment and repurposing, with a tow pound once on the property and violations for unsafe conditions; remains were unearthed in 2011 during a condo project, suggesting hundreds of bodies may lie there.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards expressed support for city acquisition and offered to contribute funds to preserve the site, aligning with equity commitments.

Mayor’s office indicated a preference for a landmark designation and noted Department of Buildings enforcement actions against current operations, with a deadline to cease illegal activities by late November.