At a public hearing March 6, Community Board 7 endorsed Columbia's request for building variances at 110th Street and Broadway that would allow the construction of a shorter, wider building to house the proposed faculty residence and K-8 school. Although Columbia can build an 18-story building "as of right," without seeking variances, the six requested would provide for a 12-story building with architectural features contextual to Morningside Heights and better space for residential living, retail stores and the elementary school.

The decision was reached just before midnight after community residents and Columbia affiliates delivered a series of spirited arguments both for and against variance approval. More than 15 Columbia-affiliates, some with young children in tow, and other community residents appeared before the board to speak in support of Columbia's request. Many other faculty members attended the March 6 and several prior meetings to indicate their enthusiasm for the Columbia University School project.

"It was terrific to see such an unprecedented show of support for this project, which speaks volumes to its importance for many people," said Executive Vice President Emily Lloyd, who, together with Provost Jonathan Cole and Assistant Provost Gardner Dunnan, has worked to inform various community groups, leaders and Columbia faculty about this project for over a year.

"In this decision the Board has recognized the University's efforts to inform the community concerning its plans and solicit input in order to respond to concerns," said Larry Dais, assistant vice president for Public Affairs and director of Community Affairs.

Columbia University plans to build a 12-story building with 27 apartments for faculty with children, space for an innovative K-8 school on the first through 6th floors and ground floor retail to contain a grocery market and Chase Manhattan Bank, a current tenant on the site. The project is a response to the increasing difficulty that many Columbia schools experience in recruiting key faculty, especially those with children, without readily available housing and school placement. It will also play an important role in retaining faculty who might otherwise be lured to another University for similar reasons.

As a part of the project, two adjacent historic buildings will be renovated at no cost to tenants and dedicated entirely as housing for non-Columbia affiliates. During demolition and construction, which will require the closure of D'Agostino's market, the University will provide information about hours of operation and services such as deliveries at other neighborhood stores.

In keeping with its mission of strengthening public schools, the proposed Columbia University School will act as a portal to University resources for neighboring public schools and public school children. After-school, weekend and summer programs will be open to all neighborhood children. The needs of area public schools will be assessed by a working committee charged with formulating plans for productive collaboration, such as professional development, mentoring for public school teachers, administrators and older students, diagnostic and tutoring programs, visiting lectureships and artists, curriculum development and sharing of educational technology, access to University facilities. The University is already working with School Districts 3 and 5 on a range of collaborative projects.

Final approval of the variances will be considered by the City's Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) this spring. Community Board 7's endorsement of building variances is not required for approval of the University's application by the BSA.