Community Relations strives to provide you with the most up-to-date information on issues that impact the community, including new initiatives underway at NYU. Please refer to this page to find such information as updates on NYU construction and renovations as well as updates on the status of Washington Square Park.
Washington Square Park
The projected timeline for completion of Washington Square Park is two to three years, divided into two phases. Phase I will see a renovation of the park's central plaza and fountain area, the northwest quadrant, and the entrances at the arch and Thompson Street. Phase II will cover the remainder of the park. According to Landscape Architect George Vellonakis, the goal of this dual-phase endeavor is to keep at least a third of the park open throughout construction.
On January 9 2006, the Art Commission, composed of 11 members appointed by the mayor, approved the Parks Department plans and unanimously approved the moving of the fountain 22 feet east to align with the arch and Fifth Avenue. According to Parks Commissioner, Adrian Benepe, relocation of the fountain and the two dog runs to the park’s south edge will increase the area of green lawn in the park by 20 percent. Additional renovations include raising the central plaza around the arch to ground level, moving two historic statues and repairing cracked and buckled sidewalks.
Construction on the park has been delayed due to a lawsuit filed on May 18, 2006 seeking to annul the Art Commission's approval of the plan to move the Washington Square Park fountain and two statues. The lawsuit asks for the Art Commission to hold a new hearing and that the public be given ample time and opportunity to learn about the designs beforehand, and that a temporary injunction barring work on the be granted.
On July 25, 2006, State Supreme Court Judge Emily Jane Goodman ruled in favor of plaintiffs who opposed the City’s attempts to redesign Washington Square Park, specifically, plans for the fountain and the fountain plaza. As a result, the $16 million renovation is on hold while the City Parks Department resubmits its plans for redesign for community input, including to the local community board (Community Board 2), the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the Arts Commission. The ruling did not address other elements of the redesign, including the shifting of the fountain and the building of a perimeter fence, though the proposal could be altered as it makes its way again through a second review process. The Parks Department will appeal the Supreme Court ruling. An expedited appeal could bring the case to the Appellate Division in October.
Community Engagement Classification
The University was selected by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching to pursue a "Community engagement" designation within their University classification scheme. This has prompted a process by which the university is conducting a thorough review and inventory of its impact on the community, city and world. The University is also looking to commission other studies on some of the impacts of university (positive and negative), and hopes to work closely with the community and elected officials to ensure that such an analysis can help a productive dialogue. Click here for more information about Carnegie's community engagement classification.
Emergency Preparedness
NYU will launch Emergency Preparedness initiatives which capitalize on the resources of its faculty and students, in partnership with local and City efforts to enhance community-based responses to emergencies.
Responsibility Campaign
City and Community Relations, is planning a "Responsibility Campaign" which will provide a pathway and conversation about students and their interactions as residents in the local community.
Preservation Study
The University will shortly announce a new grant that was awarded to the University to undertake a "Preservation Study." The objectives of this study are: to develop a comprehensive assessment of the historical significance of NYU's existing buildings; to develop a set of preservation guidelines to direct the restoration and alteration of and addition to NYU's historic buildings and districts; and to outline a long-term restoration and maintenance program for existing building facades. There will also be an important community component of this grant.
University Strategic Planning
Strategic planning for the institution will move in phases, to include planning for the broader university goals and for each of the fourteen schools' academic needs. The University has completed a key component of its planning with the finalization of a "strategic plan" for its Faculty of Arts and Science (FAS). This is the largest division for the University, as it encompasses many of the core academic departments for the University (politics, economics, biology, physics, English, etc.). There will be faculty growth in the FAS department over the next few years (the university aims to hire 125 new faculty members). The outcome of the FAS strategic plan has been a re-shuffling of divisions and departments and a renovation of many of the University's buildings to meet determined needs. But the space needs will be met within the university's existing envelope. (12-16 Waverly will be converted into a science building; 269 Mercer is being renovated to house departments; 20 Cooper and one floor of Puck are being used to accommodate faculty/departments). Each of the remaining 13 schools will go through a similar analysis and planning process.
In addition a major focus for the University's planning is its international profile. The University, over the past two years, has opened campuses in Ghana, Singapore, Shanghai, and will be expanding its presence in Paris. The University now owns or leases seven international sites.
Housing remains a priority for the University. In order to absorb dorm spaces that will be lost when one of the University's downtown leases expires, the University is building a student residence on 12th Street. The 12th street residence will meet some (but not all) of the needed rooms to accommodate the lease expiration, and the University will continue to explore in the local area. Other housing needs remain for graduate students and faculty. NYU will soon finalize a deal for a program to assist NYU faculty who are interested in purchasing apartments (currently being developed) on Roosevelt Island.
Project Updates
12-16 Waverly / Science Building: As part of its efforts to promote design excellence, the University has hired Polshek as the architect for the new science building. The university's biology program will occupy the building. Construction will begin Winter 2006/07. A presentation of the designs for the building will be made available.
20 Cooper: Now houses the Journalism department (as part of the FAS strategic plan) - academic/administrative/faculty offices; conference rooms; studios.
Tower Video: No new plans.
19 University Place As part of the University's effort to improve the streetscapes, the University has restored the façade (used to be Chakwan). The University has commissioned a local artist to work on paintings (Village relevant) that will be displayed in the windows of the building.
Morton Williams: No new plans.
Along LaGuardia Place, Karen's (of Astor) and Penang will both be opening over the summer.