But on the day of the closing, Sept. 29, the landmarks panel scheduled the hearing held yesterday.

Such a proposal, widely opposed in the neighborhood, would be subject to approval by the landmarks panel.

This will no doubt invite even closer scrutiny from the landmarks panel.

The landmarks panel has always treated church designations with great care.

So far, the landmarks panel has shown little or no interest in preserving the exterior of the Palace.

That is the answer from the chairman, the staff and most members of the landmarks panel.

The plans are to be reviewed by the landmarks panel today, but the session will not include public testimony.

Meanwhile, the landmarks panel sometimes cannot raise a quorum of six.

The several hundred demonstrators included officials, area leaders and former members of the landmarks panel.

Members of the landmarks panel did not reach a decision on the Milsteins' proposal for a 15-story 480,000-square-foot office building.