The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission has approved designs for two apartment buildings that would replace a parking lot in Manhattan's NoHo neighborhood.

The decision moves forward a development plan that has drawn opposition from local community groups. Residents and preservation advocates argue that the proposed designs fail to reflect the historical character of NoHo, a district known for its cast-iron architecture and 19th-century commercial buildings.

The panel's approval represents a significant step for the project, though the controversy highlights ongoing tensions between urban development and historic preservation in New York City. The two apartment towers would rise on a site currently used for parking, adding residential density to the area.

Critics maintain that the modern designs clash with the low-rise, landmarked streetscapes that define the neighborhood's identity. Supporters point to the city's housing needs and the underutilized nature of the parking lot site. The Commission's vote allows the project to proceed toward construction, though community groups may continue to voice concerns through other regulatory channels.