In September 2003, the Archdiocese of New York filed with the city an application to convert the church into apartments, but an archdiocese spokesperson said was only protecting its options. In September 2004 the Archdiocese officially closed the church when the Trinitarian Order left. In 2006 demolition commenced, Archdiocesan spokesman Joe Zwilling stating: "It's a hazard. It could have literally fallen over at any point in time." At that time, the spokesperson further stated that the property would not be turned into condominiums or apartments, (as nearby St. Ann's Church had been when it was converted into a dormitory for New York University). Zwilling said the church had no interest in selling the property. "It will be used for some other form of ministry, whether for educational or charitable or healthcare purposes, possibly senior housing," said a spokesperson for the archdiocese.Ferguson, Sarah. "St. Brigid's: Archdiocese Says No Condos", The Village Voice, July 27, 2006, via VillageVoice.com. Some criticized the Archdiocese for what New York Times columnist Dan Barry called its "tone-deaf" handling of parishioner and community concern.Dan Barry, A Prayer For a Church Unsaved, The New York Times, July 30, 2006; Section B, Page 1.
