Manhattanville controversy
Columbia plans on expanding into a Manhattanville, a blighted and largely depopulated area northwest of campus. The scandal is over alleged evictions brought on by Columbia's incursions and its threat to ask the state to use eminent domain to condemn properties in the area. Some of the objection surrounds the planned construction of a Bio Safety Level 3 laboratory on the campus.
The Student Coalition on Expansion and Gentrification is the main student group against expansion. The Coalition to Preserve Community is a neighborhood group dedicated to stopping the expansion.
Support of the plan
- Expands commerce and job opportunities[1] in the neighborhood
Objections to the plan
- The expansion would considerably change the character of the neighborhood
- The expansion would require residents in the neighborhood to relocate[2]
- The expansion would eliminate several business operating in the area
- The University has indicated it would use eminent domain if necessary
