Ownership and Access: From Plaques to Trees

Exploring the complexities of land ownership and public access, this chapter delves into the controversy surrounding Columbia University's open campus policy and the closure for ownership claims. It also discusses the history of a disputed plaque on campus referencing the 'war for Southern independence' and the efforts to include a more comprehensive narrative. The chapter further examines the intriguing tale of a tree that purportedly owns itself, highlighting community values and the transformation of old structures into modern amenities that enhance neighborhoods.