Senator Squadron Statement on 370 Jay Announcement

BROOKLYN -- Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron released the following statement upon news of an agreement to allow NYU to build a Center for Urban Science and Progress at 370 Jay Street in Downtown Brooklyn:

An applied sciences campus at 370 Jay Street is nothing short of a game-changer for Downtown Brooklyn and all of New York City. 

For years we've pushed to put 370 Jay to use, and, since last fall, we've urged an agreement that would allow NYU and NYU-Poly to build a Center for Urban Science and Progress in the space. 

Now, by bringing a world-class institute to Brooklyn, we'll be able to bring Brooklyn's dynamic talent and vibrant tech scene to the world. And by finally putting the nearly-abandoned 370 Jay to use, Downtown Brooklyn will take another huge step forward.

Thank you to the MTA, the City, and NYU for reaching an agreement that has answered the community's calls and will allow New York to continue attracting the top talent that has made us a center of innovation.

Senator Squadron and his colleagues have long urged the MTA to make use of the building, its former headquarters, which the MTA leases from the City. 

In a November 2011 letter to Deputy Mayor Robert Steel, Senator Squadron urged the City to award NYU's Applied Sciences NYC proposal; in December, Senator Squadron and Borough President Marty Markowitz organized a rally in support of the proposal.

Senator Squadron joined Mayor Bloomberg, the MTA, NYU, and his colleagues in government at this afternoon's announcement (photo).

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