The New York Observer profiles Nick Sprayregen, the last of two property owners opposing Columbia University’s attempt to have property taken by eminent domain.
Sprayregen is one who doesn’t consider discussions with one side having the power of eminent domain actual “negotiations.” Indeed, they aren’t.
The Empire State Development Corporation declared the area Columbia wants blighted and thus available to be taken via eminent domain.
In his fight against eminent domain, Sprayregen has tried to offer an alternative plan, has tried to have his property re-zoned and has tried to negotiate a landswap with Columbia, but the project has never been about improving the neighborhood or improving the community, but about letting Columbia University get whatever it wants.
Now, Sprayregen plans on taking Columbia to court.