Community Board 9 will hold a special board meeting this evening to vote on both Columbia's and the Community Board's plans for the University's proposed expansion into Manhattanville/ ViVa.

Last week's meeting on the same drew a disappointing response from some attendees, who booed speakers such as former Mayor David Dinkins. However, members of both Columbia and the Community Board did seem to walk away with the feeling that there is a great opportunity to reach agreement.

There are arguments both ways (I do not support the use of eminent domain for private use), but Columbia's plan is by far the best for making the neglected Manhattanville/ ViVa area into something nice. And it is Columbia, so they will be building to stay as a member of the nabe, not building to make a quick buck and then cut town.

This evening's meeting will be held at the Manhattanville Community Center, 530 West 133rd Street, starting at 6:30pm.