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Preserve the Village Historic District (PVHD) was the organization formed in 2007 by three attorneys—Phil Schaeffer, Tom Molner, and Gary Tomei—to act as the legal arm of the community group opposing the conversion of St. Vincent’s Hospital to luxury condos.

ACTING AS A LEGAL ARM: Gary Tomei and two other attorneys formed the PVHD organization, which is now in the process of dissolving. Photo by Maggie Berkvist.
ACTING AS A LEGAL ARM: Gary Tomei and two other attorneys formed the PVHD organization, which is now in the process of dissolving. Photo by Maggie Berkvist.

The group, along with the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, marshaled members of the community to testify before the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) in opposition to the planned conversion. After the LPC approved the application for the condos to be built, PVHD filed a lawsuit seeking a reversal of that decision.

Although the lawsuit wasn’t entirely successful, we did manage to have the size and density of the project reduced. Very significantly, we managed to have the O’Toole Building preserved and beautifully restored. PVHD was also a motivating force behind the present design of the lovely St. Vincent’s Park at 7th and Greenwich Avenues.

Having accomplished its major goals, PVHD is now in the process of dissolving.

—Gary Tomei

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