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As NYU plans towering dorm for 12th Street, East Village neighbors cry foul

A A A Comments By Kristen Lombardi Tuesday, Feb 28 2006

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Residents are now weighing a possible lawsuit over the air-rights sale. They have consulted an attorney, and believe they have a case. What they don't have, they say, is the deep pockets they'd need to litigate in federal court.

Meanwhile, NYU is moving ahead. "If people think they have a case with the air rights," Brown says, "they should pursue it. But I haven't seen any indication that this sale was handled incorrectly."

photo: Holly Northrop/hnorthrop.com

Two historic buildings, one giant dorm: The Peter Cooper Station Post Office (above) is to remain standing; except for its facade, St. Ann’s Church (below) has already been torn down.

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Kramer, for his part, is calling the residents' bluff. "Even without the air rights," he says, "these people would still find reason to oppose the project."

Berman stands across from the St. Ann's site, pointing to the hole in the streetscape where the church once stood. "It's such a shame," he says. He used to walk past this spot on his way to and from work just to take in its beauty.

A white-haired woman approaches him and asks what is being built on the lot. An NYU dorm, he explains.

"NYU is taking over the area," she says, pursing her lips. She then shrugs and wonders, "But what are you gonna do?"

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