NY’s top court upholds use of eminent domain for Columbia’s expansion plan in NYC

NY’s top court upholds Columbia U. expansion plan

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York’s top court has upheld a state redevelopment agency’s use of eminent domain so Columbia University can expand its Ivy League campus over 17 acres in Manhattan’s West Harlem neighborhood.

The Court of Appeals found a rational basis for the Empire State Development Corp.’s findings that the area is blighted and Columbia’s expansion is an improvement project.

Columbia’s proposed $6.3 billion project includes several new buildings for housing, laboratories and other facilities, two acres of public open space and tree-lined sidewalks.

The university already owns most of the land.

Other land owners claimed collusion between the school and agency and argued findings of blight were based on vermin, garbage and mold in Columbia buildings.

The court released the decision Thursday.