Friday, May 22, 2009

More on the Columbia expansion

On Wednesday, Columbia received final approval for its general project plan from the New York State Public Authorities Control Board.

On Thursday, however, oral arguments were heard in a case challenging Columbia's use of eminent domain for the project. Two of the judges seemed skeptical about whether the taking would be a valid one, bringing up issues relating to the propriety of the blight study, the constitutionality of New York's eminent domain laws, and whether a private university should be considered a public purpose. A decision is expected this summer, but appeals could hold up the project for some time.

No comments: