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December 7, 2009
Which court ruling is better for NYC: Atlantic Yards or Columbia?
Crain's NY Business
A New York state appeals court ruled Thursday that the state cannot use eminent domain on behalf of Columbia University to condemn land the school wants for its $6 billion expansion plan. It called the use of eminent domain unconstitutional and questioned the state and university's claims that the West Harlem area is blighted. The decision comes less than a month after another court ruled in favor of developer Forest City Ratner using eminent domain to complete its $4.9 billion Atlantic Yards project. That Brooklyn project includes a 22-acre residential development and a basketball arena.
Which ruling was better for New York City?
→ Columbia. The university and state failed to prove that the area in question is blighted, a requirement for eminent domain.
→ Atlantic Yards. The Brooklyn project will boost the local economy.
→ Neither. Until it becomes more transparent, the eminent domain process is bad for the city, no matter what project it affects.
Click here to cast your vote.
Posted by eric at December 7, 2009 10:47 AM