Why has Columbia asked the Empire State Development Corporation to use its eminent domain power to acquire property on this site?
The University does not have the authority to use eminent domain. Eminent domain is a public power exclusively reserved for governmental agencies to acquire land for public purposes in exchange for fair market compensation. Eminent domain can be exercised only after a public review process that determines that the property taken will be used for a public purpose. In this case, that determination will be made by the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC), a New York State public benefit corporation. As a nonprofit, mission-driven institution committed to teaching, academic research, patient care, and public service, Columbia has asked the ESDC to adopt the University’s general project plan (GPP) and to determine the appropriateness of exercising eminent domain to acquire certain private properties for public purposes—and of exercising other ESDC powers to facilitate acquisition of city-owned properties. Columbia has not and will not request the use of eminent domain with respect to
