A Catholic church in Melrose is no longer under consideration to become a landmarked building after 25 years.

The Immaculate Conception Church is a Romanesque Revival style building erected in 1887. It has the highest steeple in the borough.

The decision to remove the church from consideration was made today by city officials.

While preservationists view landmarking as a way to protect the church's original design, Father Francis Skelly and members of the Immaculate Conception Church parish opposed the restrictions that would come with the designation.

Congregants say they were opposed to having the building landmarked because they worried it would interfere with future repairs and renovations.

A representative from the Landmarks Preservation Commission told News 12 The Bronx that while Immaculate Conception Church is now off the list for consideration, it could still be brought back on the agenda should new information about the church's history become available or if community interest is renewed.