Judge Dismisses Lawsuit To Block Natural History Museum Expansion

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — A state judge dismissed a lawsuit Monday seeking to block the construction of the American Museum of Natural History's Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation.

State Supreme Court judge Lynn Kotler ruled against the Community United to Protect Theodore Roosevelt Park's argument that the city Parks Department incorrectly interpreted a 142-year-old law when it approved the American Museum of Natural History's plan to build its new facility in the park. The advocacy group also argued that the museum should have been required to go through the city's Uniform Land Use Review Procedure to obtain permits for the expansion, which Kolter disagreed with.

The museum released a statement Monday applauding the judge for her decision.

"The expansion will significantly enhance Museum education programs, visitors’ experience, and scientific work. We have also made a significant contribution to the ongoing maintenance and care of the park and will of course work closely with our partners to minimize any disruption throughout the construction project," a museum spokesperson said in a statement. "We are very excited about moving forward and bringing this important project to fruition."

A spokesman for the city Law Department said in a statement that the city is "pleased" with the decision and is looking forward to the Gilder Center project's upcoming construction.

Kolter also ruled Monday to dismiss a temporary restraining order that limited the scope of the museum's construction work in Theodore Roosevelt Park. The museum had been limited to conducting solely exterior work and interior work, and was not allowed to resume tree or bench removal in Theodore Roosevelt Park.

Community United to Protect Theodore Roosevelt Park is considering appealing the ruling, the group's chairman William Raudenbush said in a statement.

"This decision is deeply disappointing and fails to protect the interests of the people who live in one of New York’s oldest residential neighborhoods as well as failing to follow the law. Our organization is evaluating all options, including an appeal," Raudenbush said.

The group hopes the museum will "live up to its promises regarding neighborhood disruption," but isn't optimistic the institution will follow through, Raudenbush said.

The American Museum of Natural History filed building plans for the Gilder Center in August 2017 after receiving approvals for the project from Community Board 7 and the city Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2016.

The $383 Gilder Center will expand the American Museum of Natural History's footprint into Theodore Roosevelt Park by a quarter-acre, according to museum plans. The new five-story facility will add a total of 230,000 square feet of space to the American Museum of Natural History, according to plans filed with the Department of Buildings. The American Museum of Natural History plans to complete the Gilder Center by 2021.

Photo courtesy Ralph Appelbaum Associates