A community-led effort to protect open space and the character of the West Village.
West Village Citizens for Preservation is a grassroots coalition of neighbors and local residents committed to the long-term stewardship of the Hudson–Christopher–Barrow–Greenwich block, owned by St. Luke’s Church, and the shared open spaces that serve our community. A plan to construct a new Mission Building on the this block raises important questions about zoning compliance and the future of one of the West Village’s rare shared open spaces.
Our group exists to ensure that decisions affecting this unique block are informed by accurate technical analysis and a full understanding of the zoning framework that governs residential open space in New York City. WVCP serves as a conduit for neighbors who wish to support independent zoning and land-use analysis so that the community can engage constructively and responsibly in discussions about the future of the block.
What We’re Focused On
- Zoning integrity: Ensuring that residential open-space requirements are met and preserved as part of the West Village’s identity and the principles established in the 1965 New York City Zoning Resolution.
- Open space protection: safeguarding the open space areas the community rely on.
- Transparency: commissioning independent expert analysis and sharing the findings with neighbors.
- A constructive path forward: Supporting solutions that enable the church to carry out its mission while strengthening community trust, safety, and the shared stewardship of the neighborhood.
Recommended Path
We believe the best outcome is achieved early—through facts, independent review, and collaboration—before concrete is poured.
- Independent expert review of DOB filings, zoning diagrams, open space obligations, and relevant precedent.
- Public sharing of expert findings in plain English for neighbors and stakeholders.
- Constructive alternatives if issues are identified—protecting interior open space and neighborhood scale.
- Long-term stewardship that accounts for cumulative impacts, future precedent, and neighborhood safety.