Environmental and Planning Consultants

440 Park Avenue South

7th Floor
New York, NY 10016
tel: 212 696-0670
fax: 212 213-3191
www.akrf.com

October 13, 2017

Mr. Philip Perazio

NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Division for Historic Preservation
Peebles Island, PO Box 189
Waterford, NY 12188

Re: End of Phase 2 Fieldwork: Proposed Pre-K at 168 8th Street, Brooklyn, NY (16PR03021)

Dear Mr. Perazio:

As you are aware, the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) proposes to construct a new,
approximately 180-seat Pre-Kindergarten Center at 168 8th Street in the Gowanus neighborhood of
Brooklyn, Kings County, NY (OPRHP Review number 16PR03021). The site, located on Block 1003,
Lot 11, is currently a vacant lot, located on the block bounded by 9th Street to the south, 8th Street to the
north, 4th Avenue to the east, and 3rd Avenue to the west (see Figure 1). AKRF completed a Phase 1B
Archaeological Investigation in June 2017 that involved the excavation of eight trenches across the site
(see Figure 2). Domestic shaft features that appeared to date to the 19th centurytentatively identified as
a brick cistern and a stone wellwere observed at the eastern end of Trench 5. The results of AKRFs
Phase 1B Archaeological Investigation of the project site were summarized in an End-of-Fieldwork
Memorandum that was submitted to OPRHP on July 25, 2017 and supplemental information was
provided on August 11, 2017. The End-of-Fieldwork Memorandum recommended a Phase 2 evaluation
of the brick cistern and stone well observed at the eastern end of Trench 5 as well as the immediately
surrounding area, where evidence of a buried ground surface was observed during the course of the Phase
1B testing (collectively referred to as the central portion of the site). In a comment letter dated August
17, 2017, OPRHP concurred with the recommendation to complete a Phase 2 survey of the central portion
of the site and also concurred with the Phase 2 Testing Protocol submitted by AKRF in July 2017. This
memorandum has been prepared to summarize the preliminary results of the Phase 2 survey.
SUMMARY OF PHASE 2 SURVEY METHODOLOGY
The Phase 2 survey of the central portion of the site was completed in September 2017. As per the testing
plan outlined in the Phase 2 Testing Protocol, each of the features was uncovered and an area measuring
approximately 125 feet by 75 feet was cleared around the features to provide a safe and stable work
surface for the archaeological team and to expose a greater portion of the buried ground surface identified
during the Phase 1B investigation (see Figure 1). A mechanical excavator was used to clear the
overburden and remaining concrete from the area surrounding the features and cleared the backfill from
the top of the reburied features. The Phase 2 work plan suggested that additional features may be present
within the Phase 2 work area, and during the removal of overburden, a third shaft featuretentatively

AKRF New York City Hudson Valley Region Long Island Baltimore / Washington Area New Jersey
Mr. Philip Perazio 2 October 13, 2017

identified as a stone privywas identified to the northwest of the features that were documented during
the Phase 1B investigation (see Photograph 1). The remainder of the Phase 2 survey involved two
components: 1) the hand excavation and documentation of the three shaft features; and 2) mechanical soil
stripping of the areas to the west and north of the features to further explore the buried ground surface in
that location.
The excavation of each of the three features proceeded as outlined in the Phase 2 Work Plan. In order to
maximize the understanding of the features, the interior/exterior of one side of each was exposed to its
full depth in order to examine the stratigraphic layers within the feature. The wall of that side of the
feature was removed to expose the fill inside the feature. Consistent with the sampling strategy outlined in
the Phase 2 work plan and based on the low-artifactual content of each feature, the vertical uniformity of
each deposit, and the clearly low-significance of the assemblage, a sample of 25 percent of the fill
represented by a quarter-wedge of each roughly circular featurewas then excavated and the fill
materials were screened through quarter-inch mesh. The fill was excavated in arbitrary 1-foot intervals
unless intact stratigraphic layers were observed; all independent layers were excavated and screened
separately. Artifacts and soil samples were collected and placed in labeled plastic bags for analysis.
Soil stripping of the areas of the proposed ground surface was completed using the mechanical excavator.
The machine, fitted with a bucket with a blade, was used to slowly scrape away thin layers of soil.
Archeologists monitored this excavation and periodically entered the trench to skim the soils by hand
with shovels and trowels. This excavation method allowed the archaeologists to examine the ground
surface and the underlying subsoils for evidence of features such as fenceposts or previous excavations.
Professional standards for excavation, screening, recording features and stratigraphy, labeling, mapping,
and photographing were applied during the Phase 2 evaluation. Soil profiles were recorded and
representative views will be included in the final report. Soil colors were determined using Munsell soil
color charts and soil colors and textures were recorded in field notes. Following the completion of the
survey, the excavated area was backfilled and the surface was restored using clean, crushed blue stone.
RESULTS OF THE PHASE 2 SURVEY
INVESTIGATION OF HISTORIC GROUND SURFACES
Soil stripping began to the south of the features, between the locations of Trenches 5 and 6 from the phase
1B investigation. A thin scatter of 19th and 20th century artifacts was observed at a depth of 2 feet below
the ground surface. A small feature, a rectangular pit filled with loose ash and plaster or mortar, was
observed at a depth of 2 feet below the ground surface (see Photograph 2). The feature measured 36
inches in length and 20 inches in width and extended 1 foot 2 inches in depth. A north-south oriented 5-
inch-diameter iron pipe ran 4 feet to the east of the feature. The soils into which the feature had been
excavated were identified as a dark brown silty sandy loam. A shovel probe was excavated at the
southeastern end of the feature to further explore its contents. The features shape and fill contents were
similar toand possibly connected tothe ash-filled feature encountered at the western end of Trench 5
during the Phase 1B survey and it does not appear to represent a significant fill deposit. Clean subsoil was
encountered in the southwest corner of the Phase 2 work area at a depth of 3.5 feet (see Figure 4 and
Photograph 3).
Additional soil stripping was done along the western side of the Phase 2 work area, where a buried
ground surface was encountered at a depth of approximately 3.5 feet below ground surface. Clean subsoil
was encountered at a depth of approximately 2.25 feet below ground surface in the same location (see
Figure 5). Very large boulders were encountered within the subsoil and excavation continued in this area
to depths ranging between 8 and 9.5 feet below ground surface. Two additional features, both filled fence
post holes, were encountered in this portion of the site (see Figure 3). Feature 2 was an approximately 10-
inch-wide and 1-foot-deep filled fence post hole situated in the western wall of the Phase 2 work area.
The top of the feature was at a depth of approximately 2 feet 4 inches. The filled feature contained the
remains of several whole and fragmented liquor bottles (see Photograph 4). Feature 3 was a second fence
Mr. Philip Perazio 3 October 13, 2017

post hole that measured 1 foot by 10 inches and was only 3 inches in depth (see Photograph 5). The top
of Feature 3 was encountered at a depth of 4 feet 2 inches. Both Features 2 and 3 appeared to be filled
with soils associated with both the original ground surface and the subsoil.
A layer of darker soil thought to be a buried ground surface was observed in the northern portion of the
Phase 2 work area to the west of a historic foundation remnant associated with a building formerly
located at the northeastern corner of the site (see Photograph 6). These soils were also stripped and no
features were observed within the ground surface or the underlying subsoil.
DOCUMENTATION OF 19TH CENTURY FEATURES
As described above, three featurestentatively identified as a privy, a cistern, and a wellwere
investigated as part of the Phase 2 survey. The preliminary results of the investigation of the features are
summarized below.
Stone Well
The top of the feature was situated at a depth of 3.5 feet below ground surface, its interior diameter was 4
to 5.5 feet (due to the size and loose configuration of the large cobbles comprising the feature) and its
exterior diameter was approximately 7 feet, and it extended to a depth of 14 feet below the ground
surface. The feature was constructed of large, irregular dry-laid stones. The Phase 2 survey revealed that
the stone well had been modified in the past, likely after it was no longer needed for the purposes of water
gathering or drainage. At some point in the past, a 2-inch-diameter pipe was inserted through the top of
the feature at a depth of 2 feet. The upper three feet of the southern half of the well appear to have been
disturbed during the pipes installation. Linear filled excavations extending into undisturbed subsoil
aligned with the pipe were observed to the south of the well (see Photograph 7). While an intact
builders trench was observed along the northern side of the well, it had been obliterated to the south of
the well. Undisturbed subsoil was observed around the remainder of the feature (see Photograph 8).
In order to excavate the well, the southwest face was exposed and the stone wall on that face was
manually dismantled before a 25 percent sample of the fill was removed from the upper portion of the
feature. After an initial excavation to a depth of 3 feet revealed that the fill was disturbed in association
with the installation of the pipe and the disturbed soils and loose rocks were determined to be a safety
hazard, the top three feet of the feature were mechanically removed. Once the feature was cleared off,
excavation resumed. The fill materials beneath the disturbed upper portion of the fill were very dense,
clayey soils with concentrations of rocks and cobbles (see Photograph 9). The bottom of the feature was
encountered 10.5 feet beneath the top of the feature. A 1.5-foot-thick layer of cleaner silt with bricks was
observed at the very bottom of the feature that appear to have accumulated naturally during its period of
active use. Immediately above this natural layer was a 2-foot mound of ashy fill containing significant
amounts of rusted metal. Overall, historic artifacts were found in low concentrations throughout the
feature. Immediately under the feature was dense, compact reddish brown (5YR5/4) subsoil. Soil samples
were collected at different depths throughout the feature for flotation analysis.
Stone Privy
The stone privy was situated to the northwest of the stone well, and was similarly constructed of large (1
to 1.5 feet in length), irregular stones that were dry-laid (see Photograph 10). The top of the feature was
observed at a depth of 2.5 feet below the ground surface. As with the well, a 7- to 8-inch-wide builders
trench was observed around the privy (see Photograph 11). The builders trench grew narrower with the
depth of the feature. A 25 percent sample was excavated as a wedge at the southwestern quadrant of the
privy. After excavating inside the feature to a depth of 6 feet, the loose construction of the feature
presented a safety hazard. The fill materials within the privy to a depth of 6 feet were loose, silty sands
soils that contained little cultural material. Therefore, the mechanical excavator was used to remove the
top 6 feet of the feature. Excavation continued from that depth to the bottom of the privy, which was
identified at 8 feet 2 inches below the top of the feature and 10 feet 8 inches below ground surface. The
relatively sterile fill materials continued until a gravelly, ashy soil was encountered 1 foot above the
Mr. Philip Perazio 4 October 13, 2017

bottom of the privy that contained some coal and slag deposits but no historic period artifacts. Overall,
historic artifacts were found in low concentrations throughout the feature. Dense reddish brown sand was
encountered at the base of the feature, similar to soil deposits at the base of the stone well. Soil samples
were collected at different depths throughout the feature for flotation analysis.
Brick Cistern
The top of the brick cistern was encountered at 2 feet 4 inches below the ground surface. It featured an
interior diameter of 7 feet, an exterior diameter of 7 feet, 8 inches, and its bottom was encountered at a
depth of 6 feet, 8 inches below the top of the feature and 9 feet below ground surface. The walls of the
brick cistern were constructed of two courses of mortared brick and the interior face of the feature was
coated with a 6-inch-thick layer of mortar. The interior floor of the feature was also sealed with mortar. A
5-inch-wide builders trench was observed around the perimeter of the cistern. The builders trench was
filled with strong brown (7.5YR4/6) fine sand mixed with a variety of other soil colors. Natural strong
brown (7.5YR4/4) fine sandy subsoil was observed around the feature.
The feature was filled with three general layers of fill material. At the very bottom of the feature was a 1
foot, 2-inch mound of extremely dense, strong brown (7.5YR5/4) clay with bricks, loose stones/rocks,
and occasional artifacts. Above that was an 8-inch thick mound of dark gray ash with silt, sand, and a
variety of domestic artifacts, including undecorated white ironstone ceramics. Between the top of the
feature and the dark gray ash was a 4 foot, 8 inch-thick layer of loose light gray ash that contained
extensive deposits of burned animal bone and occasional artifacts, including ceramics and bottles that
appear to date to the late-19th or early-20th centuries. Burned bone was used for the production of black
inks and it is therefore assumed that the upper ash layer represents industrial waste from the ink factory
that was previously located on the northern half of the project site. The lower, darker ash layer is believed
to represent an older occupation period. After a 25 percent sample of the fill within the entire feature was
collected, the upper industrial ash deposits were removed from the feature. The archaeologists then shovel
skimmed through the darker gray ash and the brown clay layer to collect a larger sample of artifacts from
those levels and the fully expose the base of the feature. Soil samples were collected at different depths
throughout the feature for flotation analysis.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
The Phase 2 investigation of the three shaft features encountered on the project site was designed to
effectively serve as a data recovery to mitigate the unavoidable adverse effects of the proposed action.
The Phase 2 investigation/data recovery resulted in the collection of a representative sample of the data
associated with the features (approximately 25 percent) with a larger sample of essentially 100 percent of
diagnostic artifacts collected from the older ash deposits near the base of the cistern. Laboratory
processing of recovered artifacts has been initiated and a detailed technical report will be prepared
summarizing the results of both the Phase 1B and Phase 2 investigations. The final report will document
all methodologies used during the course of the investigation and will discuss all findings that emerged
from the recovered data, as well as maps, plans, drawings, photographs, and/or other relevant images as
needed to illustrate project findings. The report will include a site map showing the location of all
resources identified (see Figure 2), as well as a complete inventory of the artifacts. Finally, the report will
include appropriate analysis of the artifacts collected during the archaeological investigation, a
comparison of the assemblage with nearby sites where similar features were investigated and additional
documentary research into the historic lots on which the features were located as needed.
Given that a representative portion of the features was sampled as part of this Phase 2 investigation and
that the sampling itself was destructive to the remaining portion of each feature, no additional
archaeological investigation is warranted for the project site, and the projects adverse impacts on
remaining archaeological resources have been mitigated, pending the completion of the final report. No
evidence of human remains or grave shafts was observed anywhere within the Phase 2 work area. It is
therefore exceedingly unlikely that intact 18th century archaeological sites or human remains are located
on the project site. In addition, there was no evidence that the site is covered with extensive fill deposits
Mr. Philip Perazio 5 October 13, 2017

and as such, it is not likely that 18th century or precontact archaeological sites would be located at greater
depths. Therefore, with your concurrence, we request that ground-disturbing activities (e.g., soil
remediation and excavation for construction) be allowed to commence on the site while the final report is
being prepared.
Thank you for your assistance with this matter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to
contact me at emeade@akrf.com or by telephone at (646) 388-9811.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth D. Meade, RPA

Technical Director/Archaeologist

cc:
Kelly Murphy, SCA
Keri Cibelli, AKRF

Attachments:
Figures 1 through 5
Photographs 1 through 14
7/11/2017

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0 200 FEET
Project Site

Project Location
SCA: 168 8th Street, Brooklyn Figure 1
10.6.17

area disturbed by recent basement

excavation on adjoining property

overburden
disturbed by
x36 x30 fuel oil tank
thick concrete
brick cistern
with ashy fill
3/3 26 30
concrete
wall x12 x74 60 - 70

1/1 35 concrete foundation

underbrick wall x24 possibly fuel oil pipe
brick x42 stone well natural brick wall
brick wall subsoils
wall concrete x30 concrete segment
x57 footer footer 54 pipe
1/4 x32-36 concrete
disturbed area footer
STP 1-1

with multiple pipes 144 x24

paved blue concrete footer
39 x60 x36

9TH STREET
deep disturbance in
stone floor
brick wall x36 2/1 brick wall disturbed
8TH STREET

1/5 28 fill

north wall
8 floor disturbed by
drain gasoline tanks
TRENCH SIX x64
1/2 68
brick x60 brick wall
wall site elevation change

5/2 disturbed brick wall 24

44 remnant
x24
disturbed area with 8/1 46
large pipes ashy layer 32
with artifacts
x18
TRENCH TWO x20
6 square STP
disturbed area 5-3
with wooden posts
remnant of 44
large pipes 1-thick poured
17 approximate area of ashy fill
x28 44
STP 5/1 concrete floor 7/4 TRENCH
1/3 44 5-1
3/2 24 30 artifact concentration brick EIGHT
STP foundation
32 5-2 wall
STP 3-1
18 27

3/1 4/1 TRENCH TRENCH

TRENCH ONE TRENCH TRENCH FIVE SEVEN
THREE FOUR

N
0 50 FEET
NOTE: The elevation of the ground surface in the northern
half of the site is 15 below that of the southern half

Proposed Area of Phase 2 Investigation

1/1 Soil Profile Number
28 Shallowest Point Below Ground Surface at which Natural Subsoil was observered
28 Shallowest Point Below Ground Surface at which remant ground surfaces were observered
x1 Depth below ground surface

Possible Extent of Buried Ground Surface

Results of Phase 1B Investigation

SCA: 168 8th Street, Brooklyn Figure 2
10.5.17

elevation change N

unexcavated
approximate
location of
feature 2 approximate location of 34
feature 3
poured
concrete floor

stone privy brick wall

ashy filled feature 36

(from phase 1B)
concrete
footer
29

stone well
brick cistern
39 28

24

brick foundation wall

feature 1

0 10 FEET
Depth below ground surface (south half datum)
SCALE
Phase 2 Work Area
Limits of Trench 5 from Phase 1B Investigation
Area of Soil Stripping
Phase 2 Site Plan
SCA: 168 8th Street, Brooklyn Figure 3
10.5.17

ground surface (south half datum)

concrete

bedding material

concrete

bedding material with artifacts

brown (7.5 yr 5/4)

silty sand fill dark brown (10 yr 3/4)
ashy fill with coal, shell and artifacts

strong brown (7.5 5/6) silty sand fill

dark brown (10 yr 3/3) sandy loam, remnant ground surface

disturbed/
has artifacts
dark brown (10 yr 3/3) sandy loam, remnant ground surface

brown (7.5 yr 5/4)

fine sand subsoil

excavation continued to greater depth

0 15 INCHES

SCALE

Profile of West Wall of Phase 2

Work Area at Southwest Corner
SCA: 168 8th Street, Brooklyn Figure 4
10.5.17
ground surface (south half datum)

concrete

bedding material

concrete

bedding material

dark yellow brown (10 yr 4/4) silty sand/mixed fill

mixed fill: brown (7.5 yr 5/3) fine sand with

strong brown (7.5 yr 5/6)

location of
post hole/ buried ground surface:
bottle deposit dark yellowish brown (10 yr 4/4) silty sandy loam
(feature 2)

subsoil: strong brown (7.5 yr 5/6) fine sand

with root and worm activity

excavation continued to greater depth

0 15 INCHES

SCALE Profile of West Wall of Phase 2

Work Area at Northwest Corner
SCA: 168 8th Street, Brooklyn Figure 5
10.6.17

Looking southeast across the Phase 2 Work Area. Showing the three shaft features 1
excavated as part of the Phase 2 investigation (l-r): brick cistern, stone well, stone privy

Feature 1, a small ash-filled pit observed during soil stripping near the 2
southwest corner of the Phase 2 work area

SCA: 168 8th Street, Brooklyn Site Photographs

10.6.17

Looking south at the southwest corner of the Phase 2 work area, showing clean subsoil 3 The western wall of the Phase 2 work area, showing 4
encountered at a depth of approximately 3.5 feet below ground surface Feature 2, a fence post hole filled with a number of
whole and broken bottles (see Figure 4)

SCA: 168 8th Street, Brooklyn Site Photographs

10.6.17

Looking north at Feature 3, a second filled fence post 5 Disturbed remnant ground surface observed in the 6
hole excavated into the subsoil northeast corner of the Phase 2 work area

SCA: 168 8th Street, Brooklyn Site Photographs

10.6.17

View north of the stone well and adjacent disturbed 7 The stone well after the removal of the upper 3 feet, showing the pipe constructed through the 8
area before the excavation of the feature feature and the builders trench and subsoil to the north (at left)

SCA: 168 8th Street, Brooklyn Site Photographs

10.6.17

The stone well after the removal of the upper 3 feet and 9 The upper portion of the stone privy before excavation 10
the excavation of a 25 percent sample of the fill

SCA: 168 8th Street, Brooklyn Site Photographs

10.6.17

The builders trench and clean subsoil to the north of 11 Looking northwest at the privy during excavation 12
the stone privy

SCA: 168 8th Street, Brooklyn Site Photographs

10.6.17

The western face of the cistern after the excavation of a 25 13

percent sample of the fill, showing the upper light gray ash
throughout most of the feature and the mounds of dark gray ash
and brown clay at the bottom of the feature

The collection of a larger sample of the artifacts from the dark 14

gray ash at the base of the feature after the removal of the upper
industrial ash deposits

SCA: 168 8th Street, Brooklyn Site Photographs