The faculty of the Department of Humanities and the Social Sciences in the 
Professions wishes to go on record as deeply concerned with the NYU 2031 
plan as currently formulated, even after taking into account the proposed 
16% reduction in square footage and the recent mitigation plan for 
faculty.  Among our concerns are the following:

 
<UL>
<LI>
We are concerned that the plan was developed without meaningful and 
sufficient faculty input or adequate transparency regarding its expected 
long term impact on the university's academic mission or finances.

<LI>
We are concerned that it will impede in the foreseeable future NYU's 
ability to recruit new faculty and create a prolonged assault on the 
living and work environment of current faculty and students.

<LI>
We are concerned that the declared rationale for the plan (NYU students 
need more space) does not present sufficient grounds for launching a 
costly building campaign in a time of chronic economic uncertainty. 

<LI>
We are concerned that NYU students --- already among the most indebted in 
the nation --- will almost certainly bear the burden of footing the 
expansion bill in the form of increased tuition and other fees.

<LI>
We are concerned that the scope of the 20% rent reduction is overly 
vague and does not include a specific, clear and generous interpretation 
and that the proposal does not provide for other housing options that can 
be offered to faculty who wish to stay at the university but not live in 
the construction zone.

<LI>
We are concerned that the execution of the 2031 plan will result in an 
irreparable rift with our community neighbors, and that their right to 
shape the destiny of Greenwich Village should be respected.