Columbia University’s expansion into West Harlem — a huge project that has aroused skepticism and mistrust from its neighbors in upper Manhattan — seems poised to move forward after the institution announced an agreement on Wednesday with borough officials that answers concerns about affordable housing, open space, sustainable development, and other issues in the neighborhood.

A news release issued by Scott M. Stringer, Manhattan’s borough president, provides details of the agreement. Under the terms of the deal, Columbia will make a $20-million contribution toward a fund to build affordable housing and create a community-resource center that will keep residents informed about job opportunities, construction schedules, and housing possibilities.

Columbia also said it would build parks and playgrounds, design and build in an environmentally friendly manner, and give priority to small, neighborhood-based businesses among the retailers that will be part of the 17-acre expansion.

Lee C. Bollinger, who has made the expansion a key goal as Columbia’s president, said in a written statement that the university wanted to bring “the widest possible benefit to people who live and work in West Harlem and our whole city.”

The university’s plan still faces review by city officials, but Mr. Stringer has issued an official recommendation in support of the project. —Audrey Williams June