NY court allows NYU expansion plan to go forward

Published October 14, 2014 10:53pm ET



NEW YORK (AP) — New York University’s expansion project has gotten a boost after an appellate court overturned a lower court ruling that had blocked parts of the $6 billion plan.

The Appellate Division in Manhattan ruled Tuesday that NYU didn’t need approval from the state legislature to develop tiny strips of land currently being used as public parks.

A coalition of community groups and residents had filed suit against the school in 2012. The 1.9 million-square-foot expansion plan has been criticized by those who say it would destroy the historic neighborhood.

NYU spokesman John Beckman told the Daily News (http://nydn.us/1u2o4y9 ) they were pleased with the decision. He said it’s clear they have a legal right to proceed with the project.

A spokesman for a group that opposes the plan said they would appeal.