Last year, the New York City Council voted to rezone the southern end of Governor’s Island, paving the way for 3.7 million square feet of new development, including office, hotel, and retail space. The plan also includes a move to establish a long-awaited climate research center. However, the rezoning also leaves a lot of room for more commercial development, which would allow for higher building heights and more car-oriented planning, a move that has been met with opposition. 

A lawsuit against the rezoning argues that it violates the original 2003 deed when the federal government transferred ownership of the island to New York City and State, which requires the preservation of the natural, cultural, and historic qualities of Governors Island. The Trust for the Manhattan piece of land has also advertised the use of historic buildings on the northern end of the island for multi-use development when the deed requires these spaces to be preserved. 

The court date for the lawsuit comes right before final proposals for the island’s redevelopment are expected to be submitted.