A Landmark, but No Longer a Refuge for the Homeless

[SecularMotion]

The West Park Presbyterian Church at Amsterdam Avenue and 86th Street is well known in the city for two reasons: its place as one of New York’s finest examples of Romanesque Revival religious architecture, and its role for more than 15 years as a haven for homeless people who camp in the building’s doorways at night.

Now, two major changes have come to the 116-year-old church. On Tuesday, West Park achieved landmark status, bringing an end to a tumultuous quest for its preservation first undertaken by community advocates more than 20 years ago. But the church recently experienced another, less noticed watershed: 10 days ago, church officials installed heavy black metal gates in front of its four doorways, effectively halting its tradition as a refuge for the homeless.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/13/a-landmark-but-no-longer-a-refuge-for-the-homeless/?hp