Columbia University's plan for a major expansion into West Harlem is one step closer to becoming reality, but the university's opponents insist they will stop shovels from ever hitting the ground. NY1 Michael Scotto filed the following story.

Police stood guard as protesters blasted city officials for approving Columbia University's multi-billion dollar expansion plan into West Harlem.

The vote of approval brings the Ivy League school one step closer to getting full city permission to use 17 acres for an expanded campus — a campus opponents vowed will never get built.

“We will stop the bulldozers and we will stop Columbia University and they will never build this plan that City Planning claims they will build,” said Tom DeMott of the Coalition to Preserve Community.

The opposition remained strong even after the City Planning commission modified the plan, replacing two proposed laboratories with smaller buildings that would be used for university housing or classrooms.

“We also made significant modifications to the public open space to make sure that it has amenities and that is accessible to all of the public,” said Amanda Burden of the City Planning Commission.

But one commission member voted against the plan; another abstained, concerned over the possibility the state will allow the use of eminent domain to force some people out. Community members say that threat, coupled with the expansion, will destroy their neighborhood.

“This is an assault not only against West Harlem, but the greater community of Harlem,” said Nellie Hester Bailey of the Harlem Tenants Council.

Columbia's supporters disagree.

“I think it's going to be good for Harlem,” said Reginald Williams of Charity Baptist Church of Christ. “Everyone knows the community isn't going to remain the same. Light manufacturing is passed, educational opportunities will come, jobs will come and affordable housing.

The plan can't go anywhere until the City Council signs off. Robert Jackson, the councilman for the area, supports much of the plan.

The City Council isn't expected to vote on the plan until early next year. A public hearing, though, is scheduled for next month.

— Michael Scotto