NYU has announced its intention to reduce the proposed square footage for their controversial Greenwich Village expansion plan by approximately twenty percent.
New York University's contentious plan for campus expansion in the village will be reduced from 2.3 million square feet to just under 2 million square feet. The plan adds new dorms, classrooms, and commercial space to the two superblocks surrounding Washington Square Park. The university currently owns and operates 7 buildings surrounding the landmark park.
As one of the top 5 employers in New York City, NYU has its share of proponents. However the Greenwhich Village Historic Preservation Society, neighborhood activists, and the community board have all been vocal dissenters against the plan. Opponents argue that NYU's proposed towers are out of scale with the neighborhood's existing building heights and density.
It was for this reason that the Community Board unanimously rejected NYU's initial development plan despite strong support from Mr. Stringer, the Manhattan Borough President who recommended approval to the City Planning Commission on Wednesday. Although NYU's square footage reduction may seem like a compromise, some have argued that NYU overpitched their square footage to have room to negotiate to their ideal range.
Thanks to Elaine Mahoney
FULL STORY: N.Y.U. Agrees to Scale Back Its Expansion in the Village
Beating Extreme Heat Through Community Efforts
U.S. cities don't provide residents with enough protection against heat, the deadliest weather-related killer in the world. In New York City, one organization came together to distribute ACs to neighbors in need.
Nearly Half of New York City Burdened by Pollution
Communities of color make up the majority of people harmed by pollution, as well as heat and flooding, says the study, which is New York City’s first comprehensive survey of environmental injustices.
New York City Debuts Roomier Subway Cars
The car design is used throughout Europe and Asia, but it’s a first for the U.S.
How Smaller Supermarkets Could Transform American Communities
Bigger is not always better.
Research Links Urban Design and Human Happiness
An emerging field of ‘neuroarchitectural’ research is revealing how building facades and urban design impact the human brain and body.
Save Lives on Our Roads Using the Safe System Approach
Prioritizing safety and committing to the SSA framework can make a big impact in the effort to reduce traffic fatalities.
How AI Is Revolutionizing Urban Forestry and Climate Resilience
Tree-D Fusion, an AI-driven tool developed by MIT and Purdue researchers, generates 3D models of urban trees to help city planners visualize future green spaces, address climate challenges, and enhance urban livability and sustainability.
Key Climate and Health Issues to Watch in 2025
The escalating health impacts of climate change, from extreme heat to sea level rise, highlight the urgent need for integrated medical education, proactive communication, and sustainable policy solutions to protect public health.
Rising Temperatures and the Escalating Wildfire Crisis
Rising global temperatures driven by climate change are intensifying and prolonging wildfire seasons worldwide, necessitating improved forest management, public awareness, and urgent action to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Oxford
Caltrans - District 7
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport