December 9
The Landmarks Preservation Commission’s (LPC) hearing on West Park Presbyterian’s demolition request drew an overwhelming show of opposition: nearly 200 people testified in person, on Zoom, or in writing, urging the Commission to deny the hardship application claim—compared with just 40 who supported demolition.
During the four and a half hours of testimony, supporters challenged the congregation’s and Presbytery’s claims that the building was too damaged to be repaired, and that they had tried every means of saving the church.
The Conservancy testified that the building could be repaired for less than the congregation claimed and that repairs could be phased. We also commissioned a study of possible sites where the church’s air rights could be sold. The Presbytery claimed no transfers were possible.
Testimony in favor of saving the church was eloquent, detailed, heartfelt, and occasionally humorous. We do not believe the applicants proved their case.
Commissioners asked relatively few questions and did not vote. Instead, they indicated they would further review all the testimony and take up the case publicly again early in 2026. We will keep you updated in the coming New Year.
Many thanks to all who testified in favor of saving West Park!
LPC Hearing – Watch the Testimony
Links to statements, Reports, & Letters
- Conservancy statement opposing 2025 West Park hardship application, 12/9/25
- George M. Janes’ report on TDR analysis of West Park, 11/25
- Seven letters from historic religious properties, opposing the hardship application. (2022-25)
- Conservancy statements in response to West Park’s 2022-23 hardship application, as the current application relies on information similar to the earlier hardship application. (June 2022, June 2023, October 2023)
- Center at West Park artists’ letter of support.