The motion comes after a November 9 decision from Justice Marcy Friedman finding that the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) lacked a rational basis for assuming that Atlantic Yards project would be completed in ten years when the agency approved the project’s 2009 Modified General Project Plan (MGPP).
“If nothing happens, FCRC will soon begin to raze buildings, grade and pave an entire city block in Prospect Heights to create 1,100 parking spaces for arena events,” said Gib Veconi of the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council. “Although they say it’s an ‘interim’ parking lot, under the MGPP, it could stay that way for up to 25 years. The State needs to disclose the noise, traffic, and air quality impacts of that likely scenario before moving forward.”
“The difference between 10 and 25 years is a long time to wait for affordable housing,” added Deb Howard, Executive Director of the Pratt Area Community Council.
“The Governor and the Governor-elect can no longer ignore the fact that a State authority, appointed by the executive, has misrepresented a major development project to the Court and to the people of New York State. The ESDC has abdicated its obligations to the public purse and the public interest. Now it’s time for the Governor to put the interests of the people above those of a powerful real estate developer and commit to reform of Atlantic Yards governance.”
More at Brooklyn Speaks.
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Who cares about affordable housing. The area needs the green space at the east end of the lot that was originally laid out in the plans.
ReplyDeleteIf things keep going the way they are the area will be truly blighted for 20 years.
ReplyDeleteIf organizations like Brooklyn Speaks keep tying Ratner up in legal battles there will be no funding for parks and housing developments to take place. Additionally, if I was Ratner I wouldn't want to make the area behind the arena attractive as a big fuck you to all these idiots who are delaying the completion of Barclay's arena.
ReplyDeleteThe majority of people in the area want the arena and the earlier proposed development behind the park. We just want it to take place quickly to fill the void which is the Atlantic Yards.