Plan B was rejected by a 7-0 vote. Plan A entails development of 450 housing units for sale and rental; 400,000 sf of retail space; and a 400-room hotel/conference center. Both opponents and proponents of Plan A claim that the park land, which many had nicknamed "Central Park," would benefit the city because it sorely lacks open space as well as land for ball fields for its youth and adult sports programs.

Some members of the public and mayor Joseph Delfino urged that Plan A be referred to city agencies so that changes could be negotiated. Others, including several council members, say the hospital was engaging in "bullying tactics" by demanding a vote on referral and stating that a defeat would mean the death of Central Park.

Geoffrey Thompson, a spokesman for New York Presbyterian Hospital, notes that, "rejection of Plan A is a complete disappointment. We worked two years on developing the master plan and now they won't even allow any public discussion on it." He also stated that the hospital was "in shock" over the unanimous rejection of Plan B.