Department of Applied Psychology Resolution on NYU 2031 expansion plan
The Department of Applied Psychology recognizes the critical need of NYU
for increased space for its instructional and research mission. We also
recognize importance of efficient and carefully considered use of the land
it does own, in relation to the complexities and cost of expansion on land
it does not own.
Nonetheless, on May 8, 2012, the Department of Applied Psychology faculty
voted unaminously to express our concerns regarding the NYU 2031 plan for
expansion on the "superblocks" between West 3rd and Houston Streets for
the reasons given below.
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There has not been adequate or genuine consultation with the faculty
regarding the rationale for the plan, the logic of expansion, its location
and design, and the health and environmental consequences of an
anticipated twenty years of construction.
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There has been no transparency regarding the budgeting for an extremely
costly building campaign in a time of longstanding fiscal uncertainty.
The costs of other far more modest construction projects such as the
Kimmel Center have resulted in the freezing of faculty salaries, an
unacceptable outcome. Alternatively, NYU students, already among the most
indebted in the nation and subject to high tuition costs, are likely to
have to absorb the costs of expansion in the form of higher tuition.
Offsetting the expense of expansion by increased student enrollment would
certainly have a negative impact on the quality of education.
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The disruption caused by construction in Washington Square Village or
Silver Towers will have serious adverse effects on the retention and
recruitment of high quality faculty, which is at the heart of our academic
mission.
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The execution of the 2031 plan may result in an irreparable rift with
our community neighbors given the plan':wq
s anticipated rezoning for
commercial development and the reduction of public greenspace in this
high-density residential area.