As you sit there drinking coffee to study for finals or liquor to forget them, New York City is deciding the fate of Manhattanville and the Alma Mater. 

Bwog webmaster Zach van Schouwen is down at City Hall, sending us waves (particles?) of information  via the miracle of technology. Columbia needs the approval of the following three committees, and then the City Council.

Planning, Disposition, and Concessions:  Passed 5-0.

Zoning and Franchises: Passed 7-1-2, with committee chair Tony Avella opposing.

Land Use: Apparently, there’s quite a showdown. Charles Barron (a former Black Panther who’s planning to run for Brooklyn Borough President and who’s firmly against the plan) has moved to delay the vote.

The Barron has been shut down 18-6. The committee wants a decision.

And, passed 18-3-3, with Avella, Barron and Vincent Ignizio opposing, and Eric Gioia, Albert Vann, and Rosie Mendez abstaining.

 Now that both the 197-c (Columbia’s plan) and the 197-a (Community Board 9’s plan) have been approved, the full City Council will vote on them later today.

Full write-up to come!