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<p>I agree that supporting entrepreneurship with tech innovation/education is not an easy one to execute. However, I disagree with your “huge gamble” statement. As you said, it’s definitely worthy to try because the benefits outweigh the costs. Regardless of the outcomes of successful startups, this campus will provide the following (obvious, yet significant) benefits:</p>
<p>a. Enhanced commercialization of Cornell research.
b. Different kinds of faculty, staff and students than are attracted to Ithaca.
c. More physical research space and funding opportunities.
d. More opportunities in urban settings where both graduate and undergraduate students may engage in internships and whats going on there.
e. Stronger alumni base in THE financial, commercial, and cultural city of the world, I would say.</p>
<p>For this valuable opportunity alone to gain these huge benefits, the project is not a huge gamble" but rather a wise investment" with great leverage. Also, many other universities can’t even imagine building a campus in NYC from ground up; this is a huge opportunity. I agree with applejack that NYC should be NYC, not SV. Cornell is an excellent university with great experience in capital projects; Cornell can definitely make it successful (and thats why EDC chose Cornell over 17 institutions).</p>