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June 16, 2006
Yassky bill would push $3M to Ratner crony
Brooklyn Papers
By Ariella Cohen
City Councilman David Yassky is under fire for asking city taxpayers to underwrite a promise that Atlantic Yards developer Bruce Ratner made to a handful of community organizations.
Under the provisions of a “community benefits agreement” negotiated by Ratner and the groups, the developer and his supporters pledged to create a job-training program.
Thus far, Ratner has given $285,000 towards that worker-training program, which is being administered by Brooklyn United for Innovative Local Development (BUILD).
Yassky (D-Brooklyn Heights) now proposes a city contribution of $3 million — more than 10 times what Ratner’s given.
Critics were quick to point out that Yassky submitted the budget request after BUILD President James Caldwell and other CBA signatories endorsed his bid to succeed retiring Rep. Major Owens (D-Crown Heights) in the mostly black 11th congressional district in central Brooklyn.
Yassky declined to respond to critics who accused him of bailing out Ratner, but said through a spokesman that the money would be well spent.
...
Critics say the bid for public funding is another example of the developer relying on taxpayers to make good on his promises.
Posted by lumi at June 16, 2006 8:21 AM