Update on the St. Luke's mission building

Thank you again for signing the petition opposing the proposed Mission Building at St. Luke’s in the Fields. We have nearly 2,400 supporters now.

WVCP grew out of this community response. West Village Citizens for Preservation was formed to pursue the concerns raised by the project, including the loss of open space, the proposed building’s location and programming, and its impact on the surrounding residential and school community. That work led to a closer review of the zoning history of Block 605 and raised a broader question: whether the zoning lot already lacks sufficient required open space to support the existing development on the block.

WVCP first raised those concerns with the Department of Buildings through a formal zoning challenge. DOB rejected the challenge and later issued a building permit. Because WVCP believes that determination did not adequately address the zoning issues raised, WVCP appealed DOB’s decision to the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA), which reviews DOB zoning determinations.

Demolition and construction are now proceeding at the site. However, that does not resolve the zoning questions or end the appeal. WVCP’s position remains that the zoning lot is already deficient in required open space and that construction of the Mission Building would make the situation worse.

The BSA hearing is scheduled for October 5–6 and YOUR VOICE matters.
The simplest way to help is to send a short email to BSA. It does not need to be formal or technical.

1. Send a short email
Email submit@bsa.nyc.gov and include:

BSA Calendar No. 2026-20-A
497 Hudson Street
Hearing Date: October 5–6
A statement that you support WVCP’s appeal and the requested relief
A sentence or two explaining why the issue matters to you
Your name, address, and connection to the neighborhood or school community
A short personal message is enough.

You can also use BSA’s online Public Comments form: 

https://www.nyc.gov/site/bsa/public-hearings/public-comments.page

2. Submit a formal letter
Those who want to make a more detailed submission can send a formal letter with BSA’s Form for Objection or Support.

One important point: the application before BSA is WVCP’s appeal. If you support WVCP’s position, check “I support the application.” Do not check “object,” which would indicate opposition to the appeal.

Form:

https://www.nyc.gov/assets/bsa/downloads/pdf/forms_instructions/form_for_objection_or_consent.pdf

3. Testify at the hearing
Members of the public may also testify in person or virtually. Oral testimony is generally brief, so focused remarks are best.

More detailed instructions are available here:

https://wvcp.org/how-to-testify-at-the-bsa-hearing-written-and-in-person/

The petition demonstrated the depth of concern surrounding this project. The next step is to make sure those voices are also part of the official BSA record.

If you can do one thing now, please send a short email to BSA supporting WVCP’s appeal and mark October 5–6 on your calendar. We will update the group once the hearing is scheduled for a specific slot. 

West Village Citizens for Preservation