The Empire State Development Corporation announced its finding that Manhattanville is "blighted" on Thursday, paving a path for the state to invoke eminent domain.
This means that the state will have the right to seize property from land-owners who have not sold to Columbia and give it to the University “for the public good.”
The ESDC also adopted the Columbia University General Project Plan for expansion into West Harlem. The long-awaited decision comes after the expansion plan was approved in December by New York City Council.
"This project underscores Columbia 's commitment to its neighbors by providing benefits to many segments of the local community: partnering with local secondary schools to enhance math and science curricula; providing scholarships for local residents, medical facilities for school-age children and funds for development; and by setting a 40 percent goal of minority and women labor. Columbia, my alma matter, continues to be a vital part of this city and State," Governor David A. Paterson, CC’77 said in a statement.
Only two private property owners remain within the expansion zone. Though Columbia officials have asserted that the University would prefer to strike mutually acceptable deals with these landholders, the state’s announcement provides an alternate route to gain desired property if such deals remain unreachable.
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