The Archdiocese of New York has alleged that the church building is in need of $10 million to repair the structure. Private engineers agree that the church building is in need of repair, but say that the $10 million estimate is grossly exaggerated.
Civil Engineer Anthony Kunny prepared his own report related to the building’s repair. He noted that the building structure is sound.
On July 16, 2024, the Yonkers City Council voted unanimously to grant landmark status to the church building, both interior and exterior. The Archdiocese of New York had planned to close the church on July 1, 2024, but for now its doors remain open.
John Adely inspected bridges for the NYS Thruway Authority for more than twenty-five years. Adely reviewed the Archdiocesan report and offered an opinion based on his professional experience.
“The estimated cost is too much for the proposed work,” he said. “There is no mention of any structural deficiency. You know, looking at mortar joints, missing, degraded, spooling and cracked stone—this is normal for a building of this age.”
Anthony Kunny, John Adely, and others are of the same opinion that the work can be done in phases, which would allow the parish to raise the funds over the next few years to complete the needed work.
On July 16, 2024, the Yonkers City Council voted unanimously to grant landmark status to the church building, both interior and exterior. The Archdiocese of New York had planned to close the church on July 1, 2024, but for now its doors remain open.
St. Mary’s Friends are drafting an engineering and architectural plan so that repairs can be done in phases. St. Mary’s Friends are working to raise the funds necessary for building renovation and preservation, to ensure the integrity of the buildings for future generations.
Photo Credits: Gary Lockett, Mosconi Photography
https://www.mosconiphotography.com/
Photo Credits of Church covered with scaffolding: William Lulow, William Lulow Photography
https://williamlulow.com/