NEW YORK, NY July 08, 2009 —The City Landmarks Commission has given the green light to a plan to replace part of the Saint Vincent's Hospital complex with housing. Under the plan, residential towers and townhouses will replace or reuse the old hospital buildings in Greenwich Village. The panel had already given Saint Vincent's permission to build a new tower across the street.

Preservationists have opposed the project, but panel chairman Robert Tierney says the developer has listened to criticism, and has changed the plan so that it's a better fit with the neighborhood. The project still needs the approval of the Planning Commission and the City Council.