NYU 2031 approval process was improper, opaque says lawsuit

A lawsuit filed today in New York State Supreme Court alleges that New York University’s controversial NYU 2031 plan was illegally pushed through the city approval process, Crain’s reported.

“The city and state made a series of erroneous and irrational decisions to overhaul local zoning, alienate public parkland, and green-light NYU’s project, despite the unanimous objection of the local Community Board, the affected communities, historic preservationists, and much of NYU’s own faculty,” Randy Mastro, partner of the law firm Gibson Dunn and Crutcher, told Crain’s in a statement. Gibson Dunn is representing the 11 groups involved in the suit.

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The City Council approved NYU’s plan, which adds 2 million feet to the school’s footprint, in July.

NYU’s proposal to build new academic facilities, student dormitories and faculty housing went through a five-year planning and consultation process,” NYU responded in a statement provided to Crain’s. “The City Planning Commission and City Council overwhelmingly approved NYU’s proposal after holding extensive public hearings and engaging in a thorough and rigorous public review process as required by law.” [Crain’s] Guelda Voien