NYU stomping through Greenwich Village like an elitist Godzilla
I have to wonder if the Jane Jacobs who did battle with Robert Moses over the Village in the 1960’s would approve of what New York University is attempting now? If there is one thing I know about Washington Square Park is that it’s always been a park open to the people. You could even find the likes of Bob Dylan there in the early stages of his career I’ve read. Is the city of New York going to allow New York University to simply erase history?
The Downtown Independent Democrats in an email make some good points that I will quote below.
NYU has a worldwide presence in far-flung places from Shanghai to Dubai. Their argument that they must continue to build in Greenwich Village is weak. They have expanded in Brooklyn and have cited Governors Island, yet will not consider numerous locations further downtown that are 15 minutes away.
NYU did not expand in Paris because city planners did not agree to non-contextual plans. Our NYC City Planning Agency must raise the bar accordingly.
New York City for years now has stopped Wal-Mart from entering the city. I think NYU should be treated the same way. The DID email closes with an excellent summation.
Major changes from residential to commercial zoning, high-scale development with square footage the size of the Empire State Building, removing NYU long agreed upon zoning stipulations, acquiring public green spaces, and devastating the neighborhoodâs character and balance are not in the public interest.
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