Bright Light of New York Law School Aggravates Neighbors
It may initially have seemed like a bright idea to those in charge of the design. But neighbors are seeing the light at New York Law School’s new building in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan. And they aren’t happy about it.
A 24/7 continuous fluorescent glow from the five-story glass-covered building is an offensive intrusion into what was a quiet residential neighborhood that darkened after nightfall, residents tell the Downtown Express. In addition to concerns about quality of life and property values, they also cite the waste of energy involved.
In response, law school says it will work with its architect to try to reduce the glow but notes that having adequate lighting is also a safety issue for students:
“We value our relationship with our neighbors, but have a primary responsibility to our students to develop them into responsible professionals,” it says in a written statement. “This includes a healthy commitment to hard (and even very late night) work.”
In the meantime, “It’s like this spaceship has landed,” says Patty Aakre, 56. Some wonder why the building was approved in the first place.
