Setback to NYC’s bid to attract universities

At least one university has dropped out of the race to expand into New York City by building a campus and applied sciences facility there, citing cost concerns. In July, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg officially offered universities worldwide the opportunity to obtain prime New York City real estate at virtually no cost, plus up to $100 million in infrastructure upgrades, in exchange for their commitment to build or expand a world-class science and engineering campus in the city.

Purdue University was one of 27 academic and research institutions around the world that responded to the request with a concept for a financially independent, self-supporting applied-sciences facility and campus in New York City, but on 26 September the school announced that it will not pursue that opportunity.