Eminent Domain

The Empire State Development Corporation announced Thursday its finding that the Manhattanville area where Columbia plans to build a new campus is “blighted,” signaling authority for the state to invoke eminent domain there.

The Empire State Development Corporation announced it found Manhattanville to be "blighted," paving a path for the state to invoke eminent domain—ability of government to forcibly buy property from a private citizen—where Columbia plans to build its new campus.

I publish this open letter with the sincere hope that it will lead to meaningful dialogue. Over the past nearly four years, the institution that you head, and the business of which I am president, have been locked in battle.