NEW YORK, NY November 10, 2006 —The development battle between Columbia University and its neighbors is heating up over the University's plans for a northern expansion.

REPORTER: The West Harlem Business Group is suing the Empire State Development Corporation, now, to get a hold of documents that could shed some light on whether the university plans to seize local property through eminent domain, with the state's help. Nick Sprayregen is the owner of Tuck it Away Self Storage, which holds five properties on Broadway and 131st street.

SPRAYREGEN: Eminent domain is supposed to be used for public use, highways, or public libraries, hospitals not so private universities like Columbia can squeeze out people who don't want to sell to them just so they can have a larger campus.

REPORTER: Columbia applied to the Empire State Development Corporation for permission to use eminent domain if any property owners refuse to sell, and it's still waiting for a decision.