Manhattanville: Columbia's Manhattanville Plan and the Public Review Process

Columbia's proposal to develop a new center of learning within Manhattanville community of West Harlem is about to undergo an extensive public review process. Because the area is now zoned for industrial use, the University must seek a rezoning to be able to build a campus here.  The process by which the University’s proposal will be considered is known as ULURP (The Uniform Land Use Review Procedure).  It includes review by Manhattan Community Board 9, the Manhattan Borough President, the City Planning Commission and the New York City Council. There will be at least three public hearings where Community residents, elected officials, civic leaders and others will be able to see and comment on the proposal and suggest modifications. The New York State Empire Development Corporation will also review the proposal and hold a public hearing. If the University’s plan garners the necessary approvals, Columbia will be able to build a campus that will include a mix of academic buildings, research facilities, open space, shops, restaurants and other amenities.

Over an almost two-year period, the Columbia team has been preparing for this review. Under the guidance of City Planning, technical documents that include a Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement (PDEIS), a draft zoning text and other key materials have been prepared.

Additional information was gathered in preparation for the State's public review process.  Approvals by the State for this General Project Plan would facilitate the access needed below ground for future parking, loading, and delivery areas that are elements of this project, as well as determining whether the use of eminent domain will be allowed. 

A third component of activity pertains to the community benefits negotiations. In addition to conversations with State and City agencies, community residents, community – based organizations and elected officials, the City of New York has asked the University to work with the West Harlem Local Development Corporation (WHLDC) to develop a package of amenities known as community benefits.  WHLDC is a newly formed entity comprised of representative members from various community constituencies.  As a group, they are charged with negotiating directly with Columbia on a whole host of matters related to the proposed development and its potential for success.  We expect that as a result of these conversations, Columbia will provide or take part in an array of programs, services, amenities and cooperative enterprises that will benefit the surrounding community.

Updates on the information in this article can be found on our Neighbors website.  (For a definition of terms used in this article, click here). You can also follow the ULURP process by accessing the Department of City Planning Website

Other websites that may be of interest are:

Community Board 9

Manhattan Borough President’s Office

New York - Empire State Development

West Harlem Local Development Corporation