The first known AIDS related death in New York City was in the last month of 1980.  It was the fourth American known to have died from the disease.  From there the numbers grew continuously across the following years, until by 1995 the count in New York alone grew beyond that of all Americans killed in the Vietnam War.  But still today, in 2012, there is no memorial in New York City to this crisis which claimed so many of the country – and world’s – greatest minds & talents, aside from a commemorative granite bench in Hudson River Park.  But it looks quite likely that this is about to change.

1,600 square feet on the triangle at the intersection of Seventh & Greenwich Avenues with West 12th Street in the West Village has been allocated for an AIDS Memorial Park by Rudin Management, the developers who purchased the property that was a part of the former St. Vincent’s Hospital.  This is an ideal location as it will sit in the heart of the area that was a focal point of the crisis.  The hospital is known for its commitment to the community through some of the very worst years, and its creation of the east coast’s first and largest AIDS ward.  And the triangle is just a few blocks south from New York’s LGBT Community Center.

After some revisions from the initial offering, the plan for the AIDS Memorial Park features:
• a planted canopy, giving the park a sheltered feel
• a water area for meditative reflection, as well as that of the canopy above
• a “narrative surface” including facts about the AIDS crisis, poetry and other writing to convey the historical weight and purpose of the memorial

Manhattan Community Board 2 approved the design on July 19th.  It awaits approval from the Parks Department, City Planning Commission and Landmarks Preservation Commission, expected to occur within the month.  Once approved, the NYC AIDS Memorial Park will be required to raise funding to build and then maintain the park prior to any groundbreaking.  You can donate online to help in the creation of this lovely addition to the world through the website, or by check to the LGBT Community Center (linked above.)  Your donation is 100% tax deductible.

This overdue plan is essential in providing a space for honor, grievance, memory, awareness, education and hope.  The fight has not ended, and hopefully the realization of this space will provide further understanding of this truth, while also providing respite to those whose pain from loss never subsides.

Photo Credits:  Chris Bishop & aidsmemorialpark.org