A City Council hearing on Columbia Universities plan to expand drew more than 200 people to council chambers Wednesday, with those for and against the plan making their opinions known. NY1's Anthony Pascale filed the following report.

"This is an extremely important institution and its health and future depend upon having the space in which to do the kinds of work that we do," said Columbia University President Lee Bollinger.

Lee Bollinger, the president of Columbia University, says his Ivy League school is desperate for space. Joined by former mayor, and Columbia professor, David Dinkins, they argued that the school's 17-acre, multi-billion dollar expansion plan must move forward.

"I want you to know that I have studied the university's Manhattanville proposal and I am convinced that it can and will be a good thing for the university and its Harlem neighbors," said Dinkins.

But some residents question whether Columbia has the neighborhood's best interests in mind. Opponents made themselves known at this City Council hearing Wednesday, waving fake money with Bollinger's face on it reading "in fraud we trust."

"They get 17 acres on the cheap, plus all the land under all the streets and sidewalks," said Walter South, an opponent to the project. "They're going to pay no property taxes, they're going to pay nothing for police, fire, or sewage."

"I'm concerned that Columbia's expansion plan will have a profound effect on my community: jobs, housing, environment, public safety, public heath, transportation, schools and the neighborhood character," said another opponent Gloria Allen.

A major concern shared by many who showed up is eminent domain. The school is already working out deals to re-locate some businesses, including the restaurant Dinosaur Barbeque which moved into its Harlem location just two year ago.

"My dealings with Columbia have been very respectful, progressive, and in good faith," said the restaurant's owner John Stage.

Bollinger says his school won't use eminent domain against homeowners, but is not making any promises when it comes to businesses.

"Eminent domain is a very important public tool for achieving public purposes," he said. "We hope to never have to ask the state to utilize it, but in the event that it's necessary to achieve a public purpose, that will be decided by the state."

The clock is ticking for Columbia's proposal. The full council is expected to vote on the plan next month. If council members decide to make any modifications, the Department of Planning must sign off on the changes by the end of January.

- Anthony Pascale