On Monday, November 26th, the City Planning Commission voted to approve Columbia’s expansion. Commissioner Irwin Cantor abstained from voting, citing his issues with the possible use of eminent domain. Commisioner Karen Philips, former president of the Abyssinian Development Corporation, was the only commissioner to vote no. All the other commissioners voted yes to the proposal which will impact 17 acres of land. This has been a very controversial project because of the large scale and because of the proposed displacement of residents and businesses.
The Commission also voted to approve Community Board 9′s alternative rezoning plan for the area. The two plans do conflict and issues will have to be worked out.
Though there is approval from the City Planning Commission, Columbia is still not in the clear for their project. The next step is the City Council. We’ll keep you posted on when the City Council hearings will be.
narmer
November 29, 2007
The Studebaker Bldg is a landmark. The building was used to house the Laboratory and Residences for Scientists who were part of Columbia’s team that developed the Trigger Device for the Atomic Bomb and other parts for the bomb..
illoquentgent
November 29, 2007
Interestingly enough, their Human Resources and Finance Department have already moved into the Studebaker Bldg on 131st. Also the old Uhaul store on 131st has already been closed down and being demolished for a couple months.
TheNYDirt
November 28, 2007
There is great back and forth commentary on this from both sides of the issue at http://www.thenydirt.com