Columbia decision could influence future eminent domain cases

While the Dec. 3 ruling against the use of eminent domain in Columbia University’s $6.3 billion expansion project could still be overturned, the decision still has far-reaching consequences for proponents of the practice, according to the New York Times. Kathryn Wylde, head of the Partnership for New York City and a supporter of the Columbia plan, said that denying the school the use of eminent domain is “frightening because there are few more important investments in our city’s future than that which Columbia is making.” Opponents of the plan however, support the court’s opinion that the university’s expansion would not benefit the neighboring community and hope that that ruling could set a precedent for further limits on eminent domain in the city.