Community Board No. 9 - Manhattan
565 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027-2301
Tel: (212) 862-6200 Fax: 212-662-7396
Hon. Jordi Reyes-Montblanc – Chair, Reysmont@Yahoo.com
June 19, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: (212) 864-6200
MANHATTAN COMMUNITY BOARD 9,
NYC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION,
ANNOUNCES THE FORMATION OF
D9 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
New York City, June 19th, 2006 -– NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Manhattan Community Board 9 (CB9M), and City Councilmember Robert Jackson announces the formation of D9 Local Development Corporation (LDC). The LDC will negotiate benefits on behalf of the community in regard to Columbia University’s proposed expansion in West Manhattanville.
In response to requests from Columbia University and CB9M leadership, The Office of Deputy Mayor Daniel L. Doctoroff and New York City Councilmember Robert Jackson have been assisting local community leaders and Columbia University to develop a process for dialogue and negotiations which are expected to begin soon.
In 2005, Columbia University proposed a rezoning plan for the area of West Manhattanville to facilitate expansion of its academic facilities. At the same time, CB9M advanced its planning principles for the area district in its 197-a plan, which had been under development for several years. Columbia's plan, which calls for significant expansion of its campus, corresponds with several elements of CB9M's vision, but also differs in important ways. In discussions throughout spring 2006, CB9M and Columbia University have jointly reviewed specific areas where the two plans differ and where they overlap. The City encourages the initiation of negotiations prior to the public review process.
"Manhattanville represents an opportunity for the community and Columbia University to work together to create common ground," stated Deputy Mayor Doctoroff. "We are committed to working with all stakeholders to maintain a process that will provide clear direction in shaping a future for Manhattanville. This process will not only contribute to the ongoing revitalization of Upper Manhattan, but also ensure that there is a place for New Yorkers to generate the kind of intellectual capital that will keep our City an the economic and cultural capital of the world."
In early 2005, a working group consisting of members of CB9M, the Office of Councilmember Jackson and City officials was established to develop a strategy for creating a dialogue between the community and Columbia University. The working group also provided technical assistance for the formation of a Local Development Corporation (LDC) which will represent the community in its discussion with Columbia about community benefits and the future development of the West Manhattanville area. Additionally, Council Mmember Jackson committed $150,000 to enable completion of the community’s197-a plan. The City provided $350,000 and worked with Councilmember Jackson’s office, CB9M leadership and Columbia to select a conflict resolution expert who would help Columbia and the community come to an agreement.
At the request of Council Mmember Jackson and CB 9, Columbia has awaited the formation of the LDC and the identification of the community's negotiating team before entering into discussions about community benefits.
In fall 2005, the City Planning Commission requested that the community and Columbia enter into a dialogue about the plans, and make good faith efforts to identify common ground and achieve consensus prior to the public review of the university’s land use application and community board’s 197-a plan. This dialogue has been ongoing since February of this year with the 197A Committee of CB9 and their technical advisors and representatives of Columbia.
The LDC was formally established in March 2006 and currently comprises a 56-member board: Jordi Reyes-Montblanc, Chair of CB9M; Patricia Jones, chair of CB9M’s 197-a committee chair; Maritta Dunn of Manhattanville Houses Residents Association,;; Julio Batista of the HDFC Council; and Sarah Martin, the president of Grant Houses Residents Association; and Debbie Brown of the MAC (Manhattanville Area Consortium of Businesses). When fully constituted, the LDC will consist of a total of 13 representatives of commercial and residential property owners, tenant associations, cultural and arts associations, community-based organizations, CB9M, and faith-based organizations. The LDC expects to begin a series of meetings with Columbia University, which will continue though the summer. It is expected that negotiations/discussions will ensue over the course of the summer.
“Manhattanville can be a model for how to balance the interests of our City’s communities and its large institutions,” said Councilmember Robert Jackson. “By negotiating in good faith, I am confident that we can craft an agreement that meets the community's needs, while ensuring Columbia's long-term viability. I am optimistic that we will be able to resolve the outstanding issues."
"The formation of the LDC and initiation of formal negotiations will continue the process of reflecting the community's goals and desires as identified in the 197-a plan in an agreement to be signed by Columbia University and the LDC," said Jordi Reyes-Montblanc, Chair of Community Board 9.
Columbia University President Lee Bollinger said, "We welcome the formation of the Local Development Corporation, acknowledge the great amount of work which has already been done, and look forward to completing our work together to achieve a shared vision of the future for the Manhattanville area. Columbia is committed to advancing its mission of service to New York City, the nation, and the world - a mission that begins by working in partnership with our neighbors to build a shared future that realizes the aspirations of the university and the local community that is our home."
The LDC will give the community a platform from which to negotiate with Columbia,, and as well as an organization to administer ensure the delivery of community benefits. The Bloomberg Administration and Councilmember Robert Jackson look forward to facilitating the start of negotiations this summer, prior to initiation of the formal land use public review.
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