Columbia University’s College Walk, a historic footpath that runs through the heart of its Morningside Heights campus, is at the center of a legal dispute. For decades, the path connected Broadway and Amsterdam on West 116th Street in Upper Manhattan, offering the public a direct route through the university grounds. However, Columbia University closed the path for safety reasons, and now, residents are fighting back to restore public access.
The Lawsuit: What’s at Stake?
A group of local residents has filed a lawsuit demanding that Columbia reopen the path to the public. Here are the key points of their legal claim:
- The footpath had been open to the public since 1953, and the residents argue that the original agreement is binding, giving the public a right to access the path.
- The lawsuit also claims that Columbia’s closure of the path violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as the closure limits access for people with disabilities who rely on the path for easier mobility.
- The plaintiffs argue that the closure has caused significant inconvenience and hardship, forcing people to take longer routes, including for medical visits.
Impact on the Community
- Phil Auffray, one of the plaintiffs, expressed frustration, especially as he suffers from sciatica, making the longer detour painful.
- George Greene, a Morningside Heights resident, said the closure forces him to take a six-block detour to access Mount Sinai Medical Center.
These individuals, along with other concerned community members, have voiced strong opposition to the closure, believing that the path should be open to everyone in the local neighborhood.
The University’s Stance and History of Restrictions
The closure of College Walk follows a history of restricted access that began with campus protests. Initially, the university would close the path temporarily during demonstrations but later decided to keep it closed permanently. According to Toby Golick, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, the university’s actions go too far, accusing Columbia of “overkill” by permanently blocking public access.
In response to the lawsuit, a spokeswoman for Columbia University stated:
“The University is evaluating Morningside campus access on an ongoing basis. We continue to communicate regularly with our neighbors and the local community regarding these and other modifications to campus access.”
What Happens Next?
A court date for the case has been set for March 5, and it will determine whether the path will be reopened to the public or whether Columbia’s closure remains permanent. This case has raised broader questions about public access to university property, the rights of local residents, and how universities balance safety concerns with community needs.
