Three Manhattan Churches slated for closure are denied for its landmark status according to Landmarks Preservation Commission. These churches are St. Elizabeth of Hungary at 211 East 83rd Street, St. Stephen of Hungary at 414 East 82nd Street, and Holy Rosary at 444 East 119th Street.
The Real Deal reports that the three Catholic churches did try to obtain its landmark status yet have failed to receive it. The Archdiocese of New York has slated these three church in Manhattan for closure. In addition, the Landmarks Preservation Commission says that the churches do not merit protection, thus it will be sold to real estate developers.
Crains New York has additional information regarding these three Catholic churches. It says that the Landmarks Preservation Commission has received an appeal to protect these structures. Reports say that "the request were submitted between December 2014 and February 2015, shortly after Cardinal Timothy Dolan delivered the first of two notices that 23 churches would go dim in Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx by Aug. 1 of this year, and parishes would merge with nearby congregations. Brooklyn and Queens lie in a separate diocese."
In his public remarks at that particular time, Cardinal Dolan openly said that it would be difficult for the people who are affected by the turns of event. The people, without a doubt, are hurt and even distressed since the change will definitely affect their spiritual lives.
After careful consideration, the commission has come up with a decision stating that none of these three Manhattan Churches have appeared to have historic merits, thus these three sites fail to get "a spot its calendar, a list that offers properties temporary protection while commissioners consider whether a site should be designated." Although, there are already two other churches on the list that have received its landmark status. Thus, these sites would be preserved and could no longer be torn down. In fact, any modification has to follow the historic aesthetic standards.
What are your thoughts about the Three Manhattan Churches and the decision of the Landmarks Preservation Commission? Comment below.