Columbia U. Forswears Use of Eminent Domain in Expansion Effort

Columbia University, which is planning a major expansion to the north of its campus in New York City’s Morningside Heights neighborhood, has decided not to ask the state to use its eminent-domain powers to rid a 17-acre tract of its remaining residents.

According to The New York Times, the university will try to come to terms with renters in 132 apartments in the area and with owners of property not already in the university’s hands. Columbia has already acquired about 60 percent of the parcels it needs, but it continues to face community opposition on several fronts.

Planning for the university’s expansion has been under way for several years (The Chronicle, November 1, 2004).