No Land Grab

B'klyn Nets' foes sing out
NY Daily News
By Amy Sacks

Opponents of the proposed Brooklyn Nets arena rallied yesterday against the Prospect Heights stadium - not with shouts, but with a song.

"They paved paradise and put up a parking lot," dozens of protesters sang from the steps of City Hall, conjuring Joni Mitchell's 1970 hit "Big Yellow Taxi."

"This plan in its current form does not make sense," said Councilwoman Letitia James (D-Brooklyn), who urged the city and state to consider alternative proposals.

Developer Bruce Ratner, who bought the NBA's New Jersey Nets in January for $300 million, wants to build a 21-acre complex that includes a 19,000-seat arena, 17 skyscrapers and 4,500 housing units at Atlantic and Flatbush Aves.

James instead backs a blend of commercial and affordable housing buildings over the Long Island Rail Road yards.

Rep. Major Owens (D-Brooklyn) said the current plan would hurt the city's economy.

Owens suggested the city-owned Brooklyn Navy Yard as an ideal place for the massive project.

Amy Sacks