<p>Columbia’s expansion is both justified and beneficial to the community. The only part of the plan I do not agree with is the use of eminent domain, but I think that Columbia should be free to buy up all of the land it wants to directly from the owners(without eminent domain).</p>
<p>The expansion is greatly needed. Columbia’s campus is extremely small compared to other large research universities, as it is in the middle of NYC. As it is, Columbia’s campus is extremely cramped(just look at the amount of greenery on Columbia’s campus compared to, say, Harvard). If Columbia wants to stay competitive in research, it needs space. Badly. If Columbia did not absolutely need the space, do you think Bollinger would be proposing a $7 billion expansion? That’s practically the size of Columbia’s endowment! This isn’t a casual “Oh we could probably use more space, so let’s buy up some land north of us” move; it’s a “we desperately need more space for research right now” move. The expansion is not optional; it is required for Columbia’s continued success.</p>
<p>The expansion is also beneficial to Manhattanville because it will bring with it improved economic vitality for the neighborhood. Yes, in the process it will displace many of the current poor residents, but that is the cost of making a neighborhood better. </p>
<p>Quite frankly, I am disturbed by how generous the university is being. It’s quite simple: Columbia buys property up, the value of the surrounding property goes up, the poor residents are displaced, and the area around Columbia’s property gets much nicer. Free market economics at its best! Why should Columbia feel any obligation to give charity to the residents by allowing them to stay in a neighborhood they won’t be able to afford? If a Starbucks moves into Manhattanville, is it obligated to pay for affordable housing? Of course not. Columbia has much better things to spend $20 million on than allowing residents too poor for the new area to stay in their homes.</p>
<p>I am opposed to forcing anyone out of their homes via eminent domain, but if people agree to sell their homes/businesses, Columbia should buy up all the land it can, and make Manhattanville a better neighborhood in the process!</p>