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August 21, 2007
CB ULURP vote turns down Columbia University's expansion plan
As far as we can tell, MetroNY was the only paper that covered the Manhattan Community Board 9 Full Board meeting, at which the Harlem board voted "for Columbia plan amendments" or Columbia lost the "non-binding zoning vote," depending on how one looks at it.
At issue is the abuse of eminent domain, displacement of low-income residents, and cultural insensitivity.
The online version of the paper carried an article by staff reporter Amy Zimmer and the AP newswire story:
Harlem board votes for Columbia plan amendments
Members of Community Board 9 last night voted to support a proposal by Columbia University to redevelop the area only if the school abided by 10 conditions.
For example, they want Columbia to build on property it owns and obtained without coercion or eminent domain, to develop an anti-displacement program for residents in their district, to preserve historic buildings and to design eco-friendly facilities.
The vote “represents the true sentiment of the community that Columbia can’t have its cake and eat it, too,” said Nellie Hester Bailey, of the Harlem Tenants Council. “Columbia must compromise.”
Though the vote is only advisory, she believed it will pressure elected officials to listen to their constituents.
Columbia loses non-binding zoning vote; says talks will continue
Columbia University, pushing to get local support for a $7 billion expansion plan that calls for razing much of a working-class neighborhood, failed to win a non-binding community board vote on Monday.
The vote, 31-2 against zoning changes for the Ivy League school's project, will be considered by planning officials but is only a recommendation.
School president Lee Bollinger said the board's decision was no surprise, and he anticipates the school will continue negotiating with local representatives.
Posted by lumi at August 21, 2007 9:19 AM