Following the recommendations of the University Space Priorities Working Group, which issued its final report in March 2014, and the affirmation of the University’s intent and ability to move forward with constructing the 181 Mercer Street building, the Superblock Stewardship Advisory Committee has been established to provide advice to the University and a forum for consultation on quality-of-life issues on both blocks before, during, and after construction. The Committee’s work will further the Working Group’s principle that the Superblocks, “...should be better places in which to live: better in terms of their physical environment and better in terms of the relationship between NYU and the community.” Its work will be transparent and the Committee will provide periodic updates to the University Community.

The charge to the Committee includes providing input to the University on:

  • Improvements to the Superblocks, including the obligations the University must fulfill under its agreement with the City leading up to the start of construction, the relocation of services currently provided by the Coles Sports Center, and other planned improvements;
  • The design process, including the feedback on the design of a new building;
  • Overall quality-of-life on the Superblocks, including efforts to mitigate the effects of construction, as well as more general quality-of-life concerns; and
  • Ongoing stewardship and communication between the University and the community.

The Committee is expected to work in conjunction with other project-related stakeholder groups, including the Open Space Oversight Organization (the “OSOO”). The OSOO, an independent 501(c)(3) organization required by the City Council as part of the Core Plan, is charged with reviewing revisions to the rules and regulations governing the public open spaces (the "park rules"), and for reviewing any subsequent modifications to the public open spaces post completion.