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March 9, 2006
Council Member Letitia James: Statement on the Demolition of the Samuel Underberg Building
March 8, 2006
Let me make it clear that the demolition of the Underberg Building in no way signifies an approval or start of Forest City Ratner’s “Atlantic Yards” project. The demolition of this building is an attempt by the developer to make the project seem like a “done deal.” It is not. It is far from it. The project is still in the very first step of the state review process.
I am not qualified to speak on the safety hazards caused by this and other buildings in the footprint. I repeat as I’ve said before that I am not an engineer. But my request to tour the buildings in question with a certified engineer was denied. Forest City Ratner has refused to allow anyone with an engineering background or any technical know-how inside the buildings, except a firm that is on its payroll.
Forest City Ratner Company has allowed this and other buildings to stand, unprotected, for months and months, and in some cases more than eighteen months. If these buildings are truly a public hazard warranting this pre-emptive demolition, this should be made clear to the public. There are no warning signs, no scaffolding, no protective netting, nothing to alert a passerby that there is any danger.
I ask my constituents to stand strong and remember this demolition is meant to create the illusion of progress but in fact, the project is months if not years behind schedule, incredibly over budget, and already tied up in a lengthy, costly court battle.
Posted by lumi at March 9, 2006 6:57 AM