"We prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be."
A Letter to Our Friends and Neighbors | July 11, 2016
A Response to the NY Daily News Story
Dear Friends Seminary Community and Neighbors,
There was an article this past weekend in the NY Daily News about the public affairs firm Capalino + Company, hired by the school for three months in 2015 in connection with our redevelopment project.
While the article does not level accusations at the school, opponents of the project are quoted questioning the public approval process. The facts remain that, after a rigorous and fair public approval process, the City’s Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) unanimously approved the final design, which reflects meaningful revisions based on the thoughtful feedback of the LPC Commissioners and members of the community. As far as the lawsuit brought last year by some local residents, the school respects the process of the court and continues to believe the suit is without merit.
There was an article this past weekend in the NY Daily News about the public affairs firm Capalino + Company, hired by the school for three months in 2015 in connection with our redevelopment project.
While the article does not level accusations at the school, opponents of the project are quoted questioning the public approval process. The facts remain that, after a rigorous and fair public approval process, the City’s Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) unanimously approved the final design, which reflects meaningful revisions based on the thoughtful feedback of the LPC Commissioners and members of the community. As far as the lawsuit brought last year by some local residents, the school respects the process of the court and continues to believe the suit is without merit.
Since 1860 this school has been a proud member of this community, and is an active member of the Stuyvesant Square Historic District. Our academic redevelopment plan was carefully designed to meet the needs of our approximately 1,000 students, teachers and staff, to make our facilities 100% ADA accessible, and to remain faithful to the architectural and historic character of the neighborhood.
Regarding the public affairs firm, as the school does not routinely undertake redevelopment and construction projects, we engaged a community and government relations firm as is common in connection with projects in New York City, to provide guidance through the complex public review process. The firm advised the school on timelines and requirements, helped to organize the required community forums, assisted with the announcement of the redevelopment plan to our community, including nearby institutions and neighborhood organizations, elected officials as well as our neighbors. As is typical with such projects, the school and its architects communicated with LPC staff regarding technical details and the proper implementation of the Commission’s requested design changes.
Regarding current construction, we remain in regular communication with our community, and will continue to keep our neighbors apprised of all upcoming activities and progress. In fact, Friends Seminary is hosting a community-wide forum this evening to update our neighbors on the status of construction through the summer. Please join us if you are available. See meeting info here.
Regarding the public affairs firm, as the school does not routinely undertake redevelopment and construction projects, we engaged a community and government relations firm as is common in connection with projects in New York City, to provide guidance through the complex public review process. The firm advised the school on timelines and requirements, helped to organize the required community forums, assisted with the announcement of the redevelopment plan to our community, including nearby institutions and neighborhood organizations, elected officials as well as our neighbors. As is typical with such projects, the school and its architects communicated with LPC staff regarding technical details and the proper implementation of the Commission’s requested design changes.
Regarding current construction, we remain in regular communication with our community, and will continue to keep our neighbors apprised of all upcoming activities and progress. In fact, Friends Seminary is hosting a community-wide forum this evening to update our neighbors on the status of construction through the summer. Please join us if you are available. See meeting info here.
Friends Seminary actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all its programs and operations, including admissions, financial aid, hiring, and all facets of the educational experience. To form a community which strives to reflect the world’s diversity, we do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, physical ability, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Friends Seminary is an equal opportunity employer.
Friends Seminary — the oldest continuously operated, coeducational school in NYC — serves college-bound day students in Kindergarten-Grade 12.
