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February 9, 2007
Ratner’s shadows end solar power dream
The Brooklyn Paper
By Ariella Cohen
Bruce Ratner’s Atlantic Yards project would cast such long shadows that the architect of a housing complex being built across the street has scraped a plan to heat his building with solar power.
“It’s just not an option for a building that will be in substantial shade all year round,” said Magnis Magnusson, who is designing the 80-unit “Atlantic Terrace” building that will rise next year on Atlantic Avenue at South Portland Street — across the street from Ratner’s proposed 16-tower mega-development.
Magnusson, who is working with the non-profit Fifth Avenue Committee development group, said he harbored his green dream until the state approved Ratner’s 30- to 50-story towers this winter.
“If the towers had been reduced to 20 or 25 stories, it would have been possible,” he said.
...
Forest City Ratner did not return a call for comment.
NoLandGrab: Ft. Greene residents have warned that potential solar energy is a resource that should be considered in the Atlantic Yards Environmental Impact Statement. As reported by Norman Oder in Atlantic Yards Report, the Empire State Development Corporation dismissed all related concerns and stated, in regard to the Atlantic Terrace project, that "the incremental shadows are of short duration and do not cover the entire space."
This disappointing development demonstrates how Bruce Ratner's Atlantic Yards plan is already adversely affecting the surrounding neighborhoods. These are not just complaints from cranky Brownstone Brooklynites, either — the Fifth Avenue Committee has a long track record of building and managing affordable housing in Brooklyn.
Posted by lumi at February 9, 2007 10:53 AM