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June 16, 2006
David Yassky on the Issues
An experienced Councilman with a record of progressive legislation
From PlanetPLG.com:
1) Do you support or oppose Bruce Ratner’s Atlantic Yards development project?
I support a professional sports team in Brooklyn, and the addition of affordable housing, new commercial space and an arena to Downtown. I do not support, however, the scale of Mr. Ratner's project, nor do I feel that the City and State governments have done nearly enough to prepare for the thousands of new commuters and residents that any new significant development would bring. Before I can endorse the Ratner plan to develop the Atlantic Yards area, the number and size of buildings in the development must be reduced significantly. Also, a realistic, comprehensive infrastructure and traffic plan must be developed and implemented. Even though so much investment in Downtown would provide jobs, tax revenue and cheaper housing for Brooklynites, this both potentially beneficial and detrimental project is not yet ready to be executed.
2) In general, what is your position on governmental use of eminent domain in support of private development projects?
I believe in the use of eminent domain for the public good, but only as an absolute last resort by government. If eminent domain becomes necessary, landowners must be compensated accordingly, including payments that exceed the market value of their property, and added expenses for relocation.
NoLandGrab: Let's be clear, Yassky supports the expanded definition of eminent domain for "the public good" as opposed to merely "public use," as the US Constitution allows. The Councilmember should also explain when isn't eminent domain used as a "last resort."
Brooklyn to Yassky: Even The NY Times knows that Bruce Ratner's proposal isn't in Downtown Brooklyn.
Also, in "Ratner Finally Bags Himself a Yassky" on Daily Gotham, mole333 tries real hard to give Yassky the benefit of the doubt until the Councilmember runs into the three-strike rule.
Posted by lumi at June 16, 2006 12:30 PM