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November 11, 2006
Harlem Suit: State Keeps Secrets
Village Voice
A group of West Harlem business owners and activists sued the Empire State Development Corporation on Thursday, alleging that the agency violated the state's Freedom of Information Law by refusing to divulge documents related to Columbia University's plan to take over 17 acres north of 125th Street.The lawsuit is part of a larger effort by the organization, the West Harlem Business Group, to fend off an expected bid by the university to use eminent domain to clear the area.
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Siegel says the documents the ESDC is hoarding might reveal which politicians, if any, are sitting in on meetings about the plan. The papers might also indicate when Columbia intends to seek approval through the city's ULURP process, and whether and when it plans to move to seize properties under eminent domain. Getting the state to employ eminent domain requires a finding that the area is "blighted." So if Columbia does seek condemnation, the community group needs time to develop a response—which would essentially say, "Hey, we're not blighted!"
Posted by amy at November 11, 2006 8:05 AM