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NYU, City, State Sued Over NYU's Giant 2031 Expansion Plan
By
Garth Johnston
Published Sep 25, 2012
Modified Sep 26, 2012
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By
Garth Johnston
Published Sep 25, 2012
Modified Sep 26, 2012
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Oh you thought we were done hearing about NYU's massive 6 million-square-foot "2031" expansion plan after it was approved by the City Council? Ha! You clearly forgot about the intense opposition to the plan—even in its "reduced" state. Let the lawsuits begin!
To that end, today a big supergroup of groups and individuals (specifically—deep breath—NYU Faculty Against the Sexton Plan, Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, Historic Districts Council, Washington Square Village Tenants’ Association, East Village Community Coalition, Friends of Petrosino Square, LaGuardia Corner Gardens, Inc., Lower Manhattan Neighbors Organization, SoHo Alliance, Bowery Alliance of Neighbors, NoHo Neighborhood Association, and 11 individuals) have filed an Article 78 lawsuit against several City and State officers and agencies—including the City Council, the DOT, and the New York State office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation—claiming that the approval of the NYU 2031 plan was unlawful. And this isn't the only suit going.
The groups, represented by Gibson Dunn and Crutcher, claim that NYU got its plan pushed through for its own convenience and that it "illegally alienates parkland, illegally destroys historic resources, illegally ignores deed restrictions," and also that it is going to be a giant light-and-park stealing clusterfuck of a headache for anyone who lives nearby for the next two decades. To further their point, the lawyers emphasize that opposition to the plan is backed up by 37 NYU departments and three NYU schools. And they throw in a number of affidavits from locals of all stripes, ages and occupations who claim they will be hurt by the plan for good measure.
What the suit is asking the courts to do is reverse the City's approval (which, as it notes, was announced in a press release before the City Council had even voted on it) by enjoining the City from removing parkland or making any other changes asked for by the Sexton Plan, and by also enjoining NYU from starting any construction.
Still, NYU doesn't seem to be worried. When asked for comment they gave us this statement: "NYU's proposal to build new academic facilities, student dormitories and faculty housing went through a five-year planning and consultation process. The City Planning Commission and City Council overwhelmingly approved NYU's proposal after holding extensive public hearings and engaging in a thorough and rigorous public review process as required by law. We are confident that we will prevail in court against any claims that are made."
And here's what the the City's Law Department has to say about the suit: "The expansion plan, which enables NYU to add much-needed academic facilities and housing, is lawful and followed all applicable processes. It was approved by both the City Council and the City Planning Commission after substantial and thorough public review. We are confident it will be upheld. We are reviewing the claims and will respond appropriately."
So, long story short? Expect to hear a bit more about this one before the construction commences!
Tagged
greenwich village
john sexton
lawsuit
NYU
nyu 2031
nyu expansion
the village
west village
Garth Johnston
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