As Columbia prepares to expand into Manhattanville, the regime change in Albany that thrust two alumni to the helm of state government may prove both convenient and timely for the University.
Newly-minted governor David Paterson, CC ’77, and his chief of staff, Charles O’Byrne, CC ’81 and former president of the Columbia Alumni Association, may prove vital figures should Columbia need the state to invoke eminent domain to achieve a contiguous campus in West Harlem.
Eminent domain—the ability of a state government to seize ownership of private property for the public good if the land is deemed underused—has been a topic of fierce debate across the city and the country. New York is in the midst of a “blight study” to determine whether the area of the campus footprint is eligible for eminent domain use, by which the state would transfer land ownership to the University.
Three business owners in the expansion footprint have yet to strike property deals with Columbia. Though University president Lee Bollinger has repeatedly said he would not seek the use of eminent domain on local residents, it is still on the table for commercial properties.
Since taking over as governor, Paterson has yet to declare his stance on eminent domain, nor has he spoken out about Columbia’s expansion plans. Yet his past statements may shed light on his future actions.
In August 2005, Paterson—then State Senate Minority Leader (D-West Harlem)—stood on the steps of City Hall at a press conference to call for a moratorium on the use of eminent domain.
Alongside his successor, current State Senator Bill Perkins (D-West Harlem), Paterson also supported legislation that laid out plans to restrict use of the policy in the city. Councilwoman Letitia James (D-Brooklyn), whose district includes the area of the Atlantic Yards development long-embroiled in controversy over eminent domain, proposed the bill after the Supreme Court’s Kelo v. City of New London decision regarding a case in Connecticut—a decision which many believe legitimized eminent domain use for the benefit of private developers as well as the community at large.
But as Columbia history professor David Eisenbach points out, politicians have a long-standing tradition of changing their policy views as they change roles. Local leaders often shift their stances to represent a new and broadened group of constituents.
“That happens all the time, that politicians who are representing a congressional district, for example, will change positions when they become senators,” Eisenbach said.
As governor, Paterson’s ties to his alma mater could also conceivably initiate a policy shift. The affiliate professor at the School of International and Public Affairs and 2007 John Jay award recipient has expressed his Lion pride in vocal praise and work with the alumni association.
“We feel very confident that Governor Paterson will be supportive of Columbia’s efforts in Manhattanville including the potential ... state use of eminent domain,” Bollinger said. “I’ve talked to Governor Paterson over the years. I know he is supportive of this project. He has said so publicly. And I believe that were eminent domain to be needed to implement the plan, I believe that he would be supportive.”
Bollinger said he has not talked to Paterson since he was sworn in, but has written him a note and left him a message to congratulate the governor.
Eisenbach said of Paterson’s new post, “Certainly, it puts another big ally in a position of power, and I think that, you know, it would go ahead anyway, but it will now have absolutely no blocking with David Paterson as governor. It will be helpful if anything arises that might interfere.”
But whether Paterson’s loyalties to his college will trump his loyalties to his Harlem roots remains unknown.
Fondly called the “Son of Harlem” by many of his previous district’s constituents, Paterson is deeply connected to the neighborhood in which he grew up and now keeps his residence outside Albany. His father, politician Basil Paterson, founded the “Harlem Clubhouse”—which has dominated local government since the 1960s—along with Congressman Charles Rangel (D-Harlem), former mayor and current SIPA professor David Dinkins, and former Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton.
“Harlem is my home. This is where I learned love for family and appreciation for community,” Paterson said during his swearing-in ceremony.
Harlem Tenants Council President Nellie Bailey remained cautiously optimistic about the role Paterson could play in shaping Manhattanville’s future.
“As to where he is now with respect to these mega developments, the back door deals that were made with [Atlantic Yards Developer Bruce] Ratner, with Columbia University ... where David stands now in terms of eminent domain and how it will impact not only Columbia University’s expansion project, but the other projects in which eminent domain is a key component,” Bailey said, “I could only speculate and I don’t want to do that.”
As Paterson focuses his energy on passing the state budget and coping with the demands of unexpectedly taking over Albany from a largely ceremonial post, Eisenbach echoed Bailey’s hesitancy in considering Paterson’s future concerning eminent domain.
“My hunch is that they haven’t even taken a position on it yet,” Eisenbach said.
Paterson and O’Byrne were unavailable for comment because of yesterday’s state budget deadline.
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