Because Morningside Heights is a community that values its diversity, we are petitioning Columbia University to maintain, in perpetuity, the rent-regulated status of apartments it owns, thereby mirroring New York State laws and providing real affordable housing in our neighborhood for low-income, non-University-affiliated residents.  In this way, Columbia would be making a major contribution to addressing the affordable housing crisis in our shared neighborhood, while honoring its stated commitment to local community development.