Newburgh Colored Burial Ground Memorial Project SEQRA Review
Summary
After years of waiting, the memorial honoring remains found at the top of Downing Park could go out to bid in December with construction in 2027. The catch: construction estimates exceed the $1.9 million set aside, so grant awards are critical.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 2
Rising — discussed at 3 meetings since Sep 14, 2026, up from 1 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
$1.9 million was set aside, but current construction estimates exceed it; two grant applications are pending.
Descendant communities and all residents gain a dignified memorial honoring the ancestors whose remains were found at the site.
Mentions & discussions (5)
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 city considered taking the lead environmental review role and issuing a negative declaration so the memorial project at the historic Colored Burial Ground can move forward.
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
After years of waiting, the memorial honoring remains found at the top of Downing Park could go out to bid in December with construction in 2027. The catch: construction estimates exceed the $1.9 million set aside, so grant awards are critical.
City Council - Jul 9, 2026
Two state African American Heritage grant applications were scheduled — $200,000 for the Newburgh Colored Burial Ground Memorial and $50,000 for an educational consultant on local African American history.
Related development
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