Columbia University Gains in Expansion Plan

Columbia University extended its control over property in the footprint of its proposed 17-acre expansion, agreeing yesterday to buy the warehouse of one of the three remaining major private landowners.

The sale raises Columbia's landholdings to 69% within the West Harlem footprint, a Columbia spokeswoman said. Some of the remaining property is city-owned. Columbia has said it would use eminent domain to gain property from owners who refuse to sell.

The two remaining major landowners, who both run storage businesses, and are vocal opponents of the expansion.