February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
That afternoon parishioners and their supporters won a hearing at the State Supreme Court for the following day. Early Friday, the demolition crew systematically destroyed 19th Century stained-glass windows that were made in Bavaria and bore the names of the Irish immigrant families who’d paid for them.
It was a low point for those who’d campaigned to preserve and restore the church. But things have been looking a little brighter since then. One of the more interesting recent developments has been City Comptroller William C. Thompson’s backing for the St. Brigid’s cause. Borough President Scott Stringer, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and other elected officials have prominently supported the issue by speaking at events organized by the Campaign to Save St. Brigid’s. Now Thompson has cogently put the case in a detailed letter to the Robert B. Tierney, chairman of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Thompson wrote: “The next proactive step to save this institution should be to consider it for landmark designation. Your support in this matter is critical and the public supports such a designation. Over 1,000 requests for evaluation have been sent to your office and are a testament to that support in the community.
“Please add my name to the list of those supporting the request for landmark designation.”
And ours.