One of the biggest in size developments that is happening this moment is undisputedly Columbia University's plan to expand its facilities in West Harlem. This urban developement plan consists of 18 academic and research buildings and campus housing on 17 acres. It's not a surprise that the large neighborhood of West Harlem that consists mostly of black and Hispanic residents feels threatened by this grand scheme. Scott Stringer, the Manhattan borough president, is planning to protect the character of the neighborhood by practicing the special zoning model that worked for the Hell's Kitchen region in Midtown Manhattan. Renzo Piano is the assigned designer for the project, who has seeked to maximize green space, which it will be open to the public. The star architect will undeniably elevate the university's image even further. And as the New York Times wrote "without a vibrant Columbia, New York City itself will suffer...".
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I am the largest property owner in the proposed Columbia expansion zone. Along with the West Harlem community we have been at odds with Columbia due to their continued threats of using eminent domain and forced displacement to remove every resident, business owner and property owner just merely because Columbia wont share. As was seen yesterday with the outrageous invitation to speak to the Iranian president, the judgement making skills of the university is seriously questionable. The school will not prevail in West Harlem until they give us on their abusive and unethical "land grab".
Dear nsprayregen,
The only reason that CU is reluctant to share at this moment is because of the hostility it receives from WH residents, fellow developers and business owners. But, I am sure you realize and cannot deny the immense merits this development will bring to your community (and particularly YOU- the largest property owner... in terms of land appreciation).
As for the judgement making skills of the University, it has always been part of the philosophy of the School to intellectually challenge its students, welcome the freedom of speech and host world leading events like the one held yesterday. It is part of what made it a great school. If you followed the speech, you would have realized that the invitation was in order to raise very sharp questions and question the credibility of the Iranian leader... and Bollinger did just that!
Manhattan is one of the best cities in the world, I think that I am going to live here in the next years.
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