Alicia D. Hurley, Ph.D. Associate Vice-President
Government and Community Affairs
University Relations and Public Affairs
70 Washington Square South, Room 1107
New York, New York 10012-1019
telephone: 212 998 6859
fax: 212 995 4849
January 14, 2008
Dear Neighbors,
We are aware that many people living around Washington Square Park have questions about the renovation being undertaken by the Parks Department.
Although New York University is not involved in the project design or implementation, we have received requests from many community members for information. Based on what we have been told by the Parks Department, I would like to share with you the following:
- Our understanding is that the renovation will move in at least three phases with the first phase beginning this winter.
- Phase I of the renovation, which began with the erecting of construction fences in the park around December 10, is now underway. Phase I will include the western side of the park as well as the fountain area. The work will take 12 to 18 months.
- Phase II will include work on the eastern portion of the park and will last approximately 12 months.
- There may be changes to the schedule and phasing as the project moves forward.
- Given the close proximity of University facilities to the Park and some of our own construction projects taking place in the area, the Universitys Division of Facilities and Construction Management will be working to ensure we stay closely coordinated with the Citys Parks Department as they move forward with the renovation.
Washington Square - a public park - has always been a great resource for the NYU community and our Greenwich Village neighbors. While the construction will naturally cause some disruption to our normal use and enjoyment of Washington Square Park, the University believes it has been in need of renovation for some time and it is important for this necessary work to move forward, though NYU had no hand in the specifics of the Parks redesign or the work schedule. The New York City Parks Department will necessarily be the lead entity providing more detailed information to the community; however, as this letter demonstrates, we will do our part to ensure that information is maintained and shared as the project moves forward. Information can be found on-line on the Parks Department website:
http://www.nycgovparks.org/subyourpark/washingtonsqpark/reconstruction.php
In addition, the Parks Department has established a list-serve to which you can subscribe to receive updates about the park renovation:
http://www.nycgovparks.org/newsgroup/lists/?p=subscribe&id=1
If you have any questions, feel free to call the Parks Department at (212) 360-1300.
Sincerely,
Alicia D. Hurley, Ph.D.
Associate Vice-President
Office of Government and Community Affairs