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December 12, 2006
Ratner Security Guards Breaking the Law (Again)
From "Freddy's Brooklyn Roundhouse," via YouTube.com
4pm December 10, 2006
Once again Bruce Ratner's employees step outside his mall to bully people who disagree with his plans to take over Brooklyn.
Our favorite lines from the particularly enthusiatic security guard:
"You gotta move off this property. The police gonna come in a minute."
"You gotta go across the street."
"Brooklyn Nets! Brooklyn Nets!"
We also offer these eyewitness accounts from the chatter on the party line.`
From someone with the "Prospect Heights Action Carolers":
There were 3 security guards (one female, two male) harassing the carolers, who were no where near any doors to the mall. The guards were informed they were illegally harassing people by the carolers, and they then hid their badges (see video). One guard took pictures of the carolers on his cell phone, then started removing flyers, being distributed by the other group (Merry Gridlock) from the hands of people passing by, he continued to taunt the carolers; even singing along making up his own lyrics about the Nets and gesticulating a basketball hoop throwing move while he followed the carolers.
From a "Merry Gridlock" participant:
Today was great. With the CBN [Council of Brooklyn Neighborhoods], we were in front of the Atlantic Mall and the Flatbush/Atlantic Ave. intersection with Picket signs and literature on the effects of Atlantic Yards in regards to the traffic. Accept for a few who shouted to me that we were against "progress," the people were on our side and more than willing to stop and talk. We talked about all the issues surrounding Atlantic Yards and it all hits home — the environmental issues, the economic issues and of course, the lack of a democratic process. Support came from all sections of our community including youth, people of color, and seniors. When people were asked if they could imagine 23,000 more cars at the intersection, they were astonished at the thought. We reminded people to call Silver's office and ask him to postpone the PACB vote. Many said they would do this. It was a great two hours and when the carolers came to join us, the atmosphere was very festive. I had a great time and I think we accomplished a lot.
You should also know that Ratner had two people there with petitions. But the reaction of the Ratner Security guards was the real problem. They came out and tried to tell us we couldn't be there — which is totally against the law. I know others have dealt with them before, but the worst part was that they intimidated people into not taking the leaflets. Two women were harassed by one of the guards, he followed behind them yelling, "Give me the leaflet back. You don't want that garbage," both of the women refused. He scared one young lady and when she gave him the leaflet, he threw it on the sidewalk. This is unacceptable, especially the harassment. It violates our freedom of speech and the harassment is certainly not legal.
Posted by lumi at December 12, 2006 10:20 AM