August 16, 2007
Columbia Expansion Hearing Draws Supporters and Opponents
WNYC Newsroom
NEW YORK, NY August 16, 2007 —A heated public hearing over Columbia University's proposed expansion plan drew hundreds to Manhattanville last night. Community board 9's land use committee heard testimony from supporters, including Columbia University President Lee Bollinger and former Mayor David Dinkins.
REPORTER: Many opponents also turned out so many that police had to keep as many as a hundred of them outside because they said the room was at capacity.
Ann Whitman, owner of Hudson Moving, testified against the plan. She thanked Columbia University President Lee Bollinger for coming to hear the voices of the community, but she also made a stern request.
WHITMAN: This University needs to practice what they preach and stop bullying.
REPORTER: Supporters of the University's plan say it will bring Harlem much needed jobs and new affordable housing.
A full meeting of community board 9 will convene on Monday night. It will likely reject the University's plan, but that won't derail it. Columbia needs approval from the city planning commission and City Council.
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