Newburgh Colored Burial Ground Memorial
Summary
The city is applying for $200,000 to finally build the memorial at Downing Park, nearly 20 years after remains were removed. Speakers honored the late Rev. Dr. Benilda Jones and urged community involvement.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 2
Rising — discussed at 3 meetings since Sep 14, 2026, up from 1 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
$200,000 grant sought, with $1.9 million already set aside for the memorial project.
African American residents, descendants, historians, and visitors to Downing Park.
Mentions & discussions (6)
City Council - Oct 26, 2026
The council was scheduled to declare itself SEQRA lead agency and issue a negative declaration for the Newburgh Colored Burial Ground Memorial Project, moving the memorial effort forward.
City Council - Oct 22, 2026
The long-planned memorial honoring the historic African American burial ground cleared its last environmental hurdle. Design and bidding come next, though construction estimates near $1.9 million may exceed available funds.
City Council - Sep 14, 2026
The council was to declare itself lead agency under SEQRA for the memorial project honoring the Newburgh Colored Burial Ground, an important step in a historically significant effort.
City Council - Sep 10, 2026
The council was asked to designate itself lead agency for environmental review of a memorial at the historic Newburgh Colored Burial Ground. This is a first step in honoring a significant piece of the city's Black history.
City Council - Jul 13, 2026
The city is applying for $200,000 to finally build the memorial at Downing Park, nearly 20 years after remains were removed. Speakers honored the late Rev. Dr. Benilda Jones and urged community involvement.
City Council - Jul 9, 2026
The city will pursue $200,000 in state heritage grant funds toward the memorial's construction and $50,000 for an educational consultant to write the interpretive panels and curriculum. Councilmembers pressed for a construction timeline, citing concerning activity at the site.
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