Groups supporting and opposing the Museum of Natural History’s expnasion plans are gearing up for a hearing Wednesday to determine the scope of an environmental study.
And the most aggressive opposition group, the Community United to Protect Theodore Roosevelt Park, appears to be ramping up the rhetoric. Just look at the image above! Intense!
It gives the impression that the museum is going to clear-cut Theodore Roosevelt Park to make room for its new building. The reality doesn’t seem quite that draconian.
Last we checked, “the design concept calls for removing nine trees and relocating one, but ultimately replacing these with 17 new trees, bringing the total to 75, up from 67. The design also calls for the installation of 17 benches, up from seven.”
Another group, Defenders of Roosevelt Park, is now supporting the project but continues to work on minimizing the environmental impact.
The meeting is set for Wednesday April 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the museum’s LeFrak Theater (enter off Columbus, at 79th Street).
Regardless of your position, Wednesday’s hearing is important, as the study will help set the stage for the museum’s project, and how it affects the surrounding environment.
Check out the museum’s explanation of the plan here, Community United’s website here and the Defenders site here.
We posted slides of the renderings here.
There is literally a HUGE park erm half a block away. Time for progress to move forward. Perhaps the museum can make a nice contribution to the conservancy.
Actually, it’s a whole block away.
I’m all for updating and enlarging the museum. Good for the community and our kids.
Thank you for bringing comments back
Can the museum expand upward over the buildings it already has instead of into the park?
An overwhelming majority of UWSers, and New Yorkers, are enthusiastic about the stunning renovation of the museum. This misleading “Save” poster shows acres of trees coming down while I believe there could be less than 6, and the improvement will have ADDITIONAL trees, not less. A picture paints a thousand words – but it’s a false illustration.
I really do not understand what is wrong with people. The fact that Community United is trying to profit off their ridiculous position by collecting donations is infuriating. There are areas in the city where more green space would be beneficial. The location in question is not one of them being bordered by Central Park and a few avenues from Riverside Park.
This poster is HILARIOUS. Way to undermine an argument. Bring on the museum expansion.
And of course that will only be the beginning. Do you think for a minute that the developers greed will end at when they have absorbed Theodore Roosevelt Park? Look to the east you fools. Central Park is next.
Robert,
What developers’ greed are you referring to? Are developers making money off of the AMNH expansion? We’re not in favor of putting up condos on Teddy Roosevelt park, we’re in favor of adding to the museum.
I think that comment was meant with a touch of sarcasm.
At least I hope so.
It seems like most people are pretty realistic about the positives outweighing the negatives.
You are probably right Debbie. Maybe we shouldn’t have comments on the site.
AMNH is one of the crown jewels of New York City and we are lucky to have it here on the Upper West Side. The benefits of the expansion to our community far outweigh the minimal amount of green space that may or may not be lost.
I feel bad for them. They have an *amazing* designer, but their messages are terrible and silly. It’s sad, but sort of adorable. Like watching one of those giant tortoises flipped on its back.
Move the proposed addition to W. 77th St. where there is more room for expansion
Thrilled comments section is back. I’m surprised by the note that “most” people supported the all-out ban. If that’s the case, why don’t they avoid the comments section all together. Ignorance is bliss.
I’m definitely in favor.
While I appreciate the work of community groups such as Community United to Protect Theodore Roosevelt Park and Defenders of Roosevelt Park, it would be great is they could also spend energy trying to clean up the park that exists there: it is absolutely overrun with rats and the sidewalks around the park are always strewn with garbage and food from irresponsible customers of Shake Shack and the vending carts in front of the museum on CPW and 77th Street who leave their trash all over the place. Thank you.
I’m against any kind of expnasion.