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Board members heard from people on both sides of the school's proposal to build a 400-foot tower on Bleecker Street next to three landmarked buildings.

The tower is part of the school's 25-year expansion plan and would include faculty housing and a hotel.

Preservationists, however, say they want no part of it.

"Well they're basically taking over more and more of the neighborhood. They are becoming a larger and larger presence, and there are viable alternatives," said city preservationist Andrew Berman. "NYU is refusing to look at the Financial District, where community leaders have said they would welcome the development."

"We've really taken a step back and tried to look at whether there is an alternative proposal that would better for the city, that would be better for the neighborhood, and better for NYU. And we think we have something that's thoughtful, that gives due consideration to the historic nature of the design," said NYU Planning and Design Representative Lori Mazor.

At 38 floors, it would be the tallest building in the Village.

Opponents say there are other sites that the school already owns that are better suited for the building.

NYU says it is the most appropriate location for the development and the building will not disrupt views of other buildings in the area.

The Board is has yet to vote on the plan.