ALBANY – The Court of Appeals will hear a legal challenge brought by residents and preservation groups trying to halt New York University's ambitious expansion plans in Greenwich Village.

The court said without comment Tuesday that it will grant leave to appeal in Glick v. Harvey, 1171. It typically takes about 11 months from when the court accepts an appeal to hear oral arguments.

NYU is seeking to move ahead with the $6 billion, 2 million-square-foot expansion project. Alan Levine, a partner with Cooley, said in a brief filed on NYU's behalf that the school's academic mission would be impaired if it cannot expand.