By Olivia Scheck
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — City Councilwoman Gale Brewer fought back on Tuesday against an Upper West Side congregation that has criticized her efforts to landmark their Upper West Side church.
Brewer, who represents the neighborhood, said the West Park Presbyterian Church congregation and clergy weren't thinking of the historical significance of the 1885 building.
"They're looking at it like real estate," Brewer said. "[But] it's a very symbolic building."
Representatives of West Park are calling on City Council members to override a ruling by the Landmarks Preservation Commission that gives their building protection as a historical landmark.
They say they have had to put the church on the market because the ruling prohibits the construction of an apartment tower on the grounds, which could have brought in crucial funds for the church through a development deal.
Brewer said she is committed to seeing the building landmarked to ensure that it is preserved for future generations.
"We need to landmark the church because otherwise the church will come down," she said.
A public hearing on the matter scheduled for Wednesday has been postponed until April 20.
