Rezoning M�ville: CU Takes First Step

Columbia Spectator -



Rezoning M�ville: CU Takes First Step
By Erin Durkin
Spectator Staff Writer

October 05, 2005

Columbia announced Tuesday that it has received a positive declaration from the Department of City Planning to begin preparing an Environmental Impact Statement, the first official step in its plans to rezone Manhattanville.

The positive declaration, issued on Monday in response to an environmental assessment statement submitted by Columbia last week, is a formal indication from the city that Columbia will, as expected, have to produce a document exploring the possible effects of its Manhattanville expansion. The statement will address topics such as open space, hazardous materials, neighborhood character, traffic and parking, noise, air quality, construction impact, and public health.

This Environmental Impact Statement must be completed before Columbia can proceed with the Uniform Land Use Review Process, in which several city agencies must approve Columbia�s plans to change Manhattanville�s zoning designation from manufacturing to mixed use. This change is necessary for the University�s plans to build a new campus in the area stretching from 125th to 133rd Streets between Broadway and the Hudson River.

A legally mandated Scoping Meeting is scheduled for November 15th from 4 to 8 p.m. It will take place at the Roberto Clemente School at 133rd Street and is open to the public. �We are glad to be moving into this next phase and believe our proposed development will significantly contribute to the ongoing revitalization of Manhattanville,� University spokeswoman Liz Golden said in an e-mail.

Before receiving Monday�s positive declaration, Columbia had already scheduled a series of public meetings to discuss the environmental review process. The five informational sessions, set up at the request of Community Board 9, will feature presentations by Columbia representatives designed to educate the community in preparation for the formal Scoping Meeting.

The first meeting, which will take place this Thursday at the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building on 125th Street, will focus on a review of the expansion plans and how Columbia feels these plans will benefit the community. In addition to hearing presentations, attendees will have the chance to question University representatives.

�We are prepared,� said CB9 Chairman Jordi Reyes-Montblanc about the environmental review process. �They have to answer all the questions that have been asked over the past two years by the community.�