The Landmarks Preservation Commission approved a plan Tuesday to redevelop two buildings in the Gansevoort Market Historic District, despite backlash from nearby residents.
The plan by Aurora Capital would knock down the two-story market buildings on Washington and Greenwich Streets, then replace them with taller buildings.
At a public meeting, developers argued the new buildings would fit into the neighborhood's original tenement style.
But, critics say that plan would disrupt the character of the area and undermine its landmark designation.
"We think that's ridiculous," said one opponent. "It's not the Gansevoort Market Tenement District, it's the Gansevoort Market Historic District."
"There's a sense of disappointment that the Landmarks Preservation Commission is not abiding by its own guidelines in terms of why this district was designated originally," said another.
Opponents say they'll urge the City Council and City Planning Commission to halt development.