Poly Want a Takeover?
Yesterday a screed arrived in our inbox denouncing the deal between NYU and Downtown’s Polytechnic Institute. Joel S. Hirschhorn, a Polytechnic grad and former professor at the University of Wisconsin, writes that the so-called merger between the schools will in fact be a takeover, and that NYU simply wants to get its hands on some…
Yesterday a screed arrived in our inbox denouncing the deal between NYU and Downtown’s Polytechnic Institute. Joel S. Hirschhorn, a Polytechnic grad and former professor at the University of Wisconsin, writes that the so-called merger between the schools will in fact be a takeover, and that NYU simply wants to get its hands on some valuable real estate. Hirschhorn, who submitted his op-ed to the Times (no response from the paper of record, though it’s available here), uses findings from a state Committee on Higher Education report (PDF here) to make the case that Polytechnic’s board has hushed up critics of the NYU deal and that no one knows how sweet a pot NYU is offering for the agreement. Hirschhorn concludes his piece, which urges the Board of Regents to put the kibosh on the plan, thus: “Like so many others, I fear that unless the Regents stop this deal Poly will lose its identity and academic independence. It is being sold out by incompetent managers that failed to continue the success Poly had enjoyed for over 100 years. NYU needs Poly more than Poly needs NYU, and NYU would end up making money, not paying handsomely for or investing in Poly.” Our question is this: Even if Poly doesn’t need NYU, does Downtown?
The Sellout of Polytechnic University [On NY Turf]
Violet Tide Coming to Downtown? [Brownstoner]
Photo by dibnerlibrary.
As a Poly grad, I am highly displeased with the dissenters on this merger. It is really not about Poly and it is not about NYU. It is about engineering in New York City and about global competitiveness. Poly can not do it alone any more. Times have changed. Get over it! If we do not merge and Poly ceases to exist in 12 years, the dissenters will have no comment. Really, how can these people be alumni of Brooklyn Poly and be so stupid?
MajorT
9:53 – So true. I went to Poly. Poly has several competitive engineering programs. NYU needs a good engineering program rather then sending their students to Stevens in Jersey. It’s a win win – more so for the students.
What are you talking about, 9:53? Many cute Asian girls at Polytech. What’s better than a hottie who knows what you’re talking about when you mention the Venturi effect?
At least this will give the Poly gear heads a chance to meet some NYU females or females at all for the matter.
10:03 is (at least partially) correct. Senior staff at Poly’ told me that almost every student receives financial aid; many get a full ride. It’s just not sustainable.
But I don’t know how 10:23 can say, “NYU is big. so what? it has resources, and high standards. any neighborhood should welcome its presence.” Seems to me that in the Village, NYU has been almost exclusively interested in its own needs to the detriment of the neighborhood.
Finally, 2:00, I believe the 1M square foot figure is unused development rights that Poly’ has on its campus, not lease(s) for other people’s space. And you know how some people respond to new big buildings downtown….
And what’s so terrible about Poly “los[ing] its identity and academic independence”? Isn’t NYU a VASTLY richer and more prestigious university than Poly? Isn’t it therefore to Poly’s — and Brooklyn’s — advantage to merge with NYU? It would be a shame if nostalgia for the ole alma mater stood in the way of a deal that is good for Poly, NYU and the borough of Brooklyn.
Some article I read awhile back quoted NYU president as wanting a million square feet in Brooklyn IN ADDITION to what Poly brings to the relationship.
It will be interesting to see what they plan to move or grow here. I imagine that it would be something that relates to or has need of the engineering school.
I’m guessing that Forest City Ratner must already be talking to NYU about some of the empty space they have in MetroTech.
wisconsin
This is very good for Poly. They may be able to attract students now, but they have a terrible time keeping them for both academic and financial reasons. Also, Poly itself has been struggling financially. Management and faculty are very strong, but the tight budgets make it hard to provide the resources to turn things around.