Columbia's controversial $7 billion expansion has gotten the green light to move forward.

Both the City Council Land Use Committee and the full City Council voted Wednesday to give the plan final approval. The vote was originally scheduled for next month.

Some West Harlem residents, along with a council member, said they were angered by the council's decision.

Brooklyn Councilman Charles Barron tore into Manhattan Councilman Robert Jackson, who represents the area, for supporting Columbia's proposal. Barron thinks the plan, which has been in the works for two years, came up for a council vote too quickly.

"If you've been at it for two years, what's wrong with three more weeks?" said Barron.

"There've been so many meetings where everyone has had the opportunity to express themselves for or against the project," retorted Jackson.

Jackson says those meetings produced a plan that will create new science labs, housing, and jobs. Furthermore, Columbia is said to have inked a community benefits agreement worth $150 million.

"I welcome any council member to come to my area and visit it personally and see the area, see the lack of affordable housing, see the lack of housing, period," said Manhattan Councilwoman Inez Dickens.

Opponents disagree that the project is beneficial for the neighborhood, claiming Columbia is forcing them out. The university has not ruled out using eminent domain to take over land now occupied by businesses.

"If we approve this, knowing full well that eminent domain is going to be used down the road, nobody's private property is going to be safe," said Queens Councilman Tony Avella.

Council Speaker Christine Quinn says eminent domain should be used carefully, but would not oppose its use if Columbia had no other option. Quinn also dismissed allegations that the vote happened now so it wouldn't drag into 2008, the year before the mayor's race.

"There is no great wall between now and January 1st that keeps everything that happened here over here and doesn’t spill over," she said. "Politics aren't the issue. The issue is here is an opportunity to help Columbia University expand, and become an even more preeminent part of the Ivy Leagues."

In response to the council's decision, Columbia President Lee Bollinger issued a statement which read, in part, "We are thankful and appreciative that with its favorable vote today the City Council has recognized the important role that flourishing universities can play in reinforcing and expanding the essential elements of New York's historic greatness."

Opponents vow they will continue to fight to prevent Columbia from taking over their land.