Manhattanville Delays Application for New Dorm

Citing current financial constraints, is again asking for a delay in the application process to build a new 2 1/2-story dormitory on the north end of its Purchase Campus.

School spokesperson J.J. Pryor said Wednesday the college is focusing on other projects including renovations to the campus' quad, library and cafeteria and is putting the dorm project on hold for now.

"We are doing a lot of other things right now," she said.

The $2 million facility from the Harrison Town Board in 2010, but the school never applied for a final building permit, instead applying for a 270-day extension in August 2011. This week, the college applied for the same extention again, which the town board will consider during its May 17 meeting. If approved, the college will have until March 17, 2013 to apply for the permit.

When applying for zoning approval in 2010, the school said it hoped to begin construction by fall of 2011, but a letter from an attorney representing the school said continued financial constraints have prevented the school from moving forward.

The dorms are designed to house about 40 upperclassmen and distinguished students and feature single and double rooms complete with a small kitchenette in each room.