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December 8, 2006
Gargano stumbles on Lehrer's show: no eminent domain quite yet?
Atlantic Yards Report
Norman Oder is wa-a-a-a-ay too polite to say it, so we will.
Yesterday, Empire State Development Corporation Chairman (ESDC) Charles Gargano mumbled a nearly incomprehensible answer when asked about Atlantic Yards and eminent domain on WNYC's Brian Lehrer show. This was after spending nearly 20 minutes confidently answering questions about economic development and allegations of corruption.
Oder, being a fairly nice guy, called it a "stumble." Here's his transcript with some clarification by the spokesperson for the ESDC:
BL: Part of that vote is any condemnations that you decide are needed. Does that mean seizing property under eminent domain?
Gargano became a little tongue-tied.
CG: At this point, we have, we do—we have not used, or--have not used to date any eminent domain condemn-condemn-condemnation.
BL: And you don’t anticipate a vote on anything like that tomorrow?
CG: No, there is nothing about that tomorrow.
What exactly does this mean? The ESDC plans to condemn all the property, including that owned by Forest City Ratner, in part to remove tenants with rent-regulated leases.
I asked ESDC spokeswoman Jessica Copen for clarification. She responded, "The Chairman misspoke. Approval for authorization of eminent domain will go before the Board tomorrow. And, no, we have not used eminent domain."
Read the rest of the transcript or go to Brian Lehrer Live to listen in.
Posted by lumi at December 8, 2006 8:13 AM