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July 1, 2007
Neutrality in Expansion at Columbia Is Questioned
NY Times
By ANEMONA HARTOCOLLIS
A state judge has questioned the independence of a state agency that is working with Columbia University to determine whether to condemn private property so that the university can expand.
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A.K.R.F. is the state’s lead consultant on what is called a neighborhood condition study. The study is being done to determine whether the state would be justified in using its power of eminent domain to condemn property sought by Columbia for its expansion.
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In order for a consultant to fall under the exemption from public disclosure given to government agencies, the judge said, the consultant must “not represent an interest of its own, or the interest of any other client, when it advises the agency.”She said A.K.R.F. “lacks sufficient neutrality” for its communications with Empire State Development to be confidential under the law.
article
NoLandGrab: Perhaps the neutrality of AKRF should also be questioned in the case of the Duffield Street houses/Underground Railroad?
Posted by amy at July 1, 2007 11:41 AM