Last week, the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division dismissed challenges to the American Museum of Natural History’s Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation project. In a decision that may upset some Upper West Siders, the court unanimously affirmed the lower court ruling in the Museum’s favor.
This decision means that the construction on the American Museum of Natural History’s Gilder Center will continue.
Many Upper West Siders strongly have strongly opposed the museum’s construction, forming the Community United to Protect Theodore Roosevelt Park. Essentially, they oppose the museum’s plan because it reduces green space on the Upper West Side.
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With this new construction, approximately 1/4 acre and 7 canopy trees will be destroyed, and the equivalent to a 10-story building will be constructed. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of new visitors every year will come to the site. You can read more about the opposition here.
While many oppose these construction plans, the AMNH states that the Gilder Center will significantly enhance the Museum’s science, education, and exhibition spaces. Additionally, they hope it will improve visitor experience.
They say that the Gilder Center is a major new resource for science education for all New Yorkers, as well as visitors from around the world.
Sadly, construction plans include a redesign of the adjacent part of Theodore Roosevelt Park. Plans will be proceeding, at least for now.
In better news, the museum has recently decided not to host Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s gala.
