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April 6, 2007
Petitioners Attempt to Block Atlantic Yards
GlobeSt.com
By Kate Hinderer
This article was compiled from two press releases and one statement released by developer Forest City Ratner:
From Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn:
"The ESDC's rush to reach the pre-determined outcome of its Atlantic Yards review before the end of the Pataki administration led to a fatally flawed environmental review, and violations of its statutory procedures and responsibilities," says attorney Jeffrey Baker, in a statement. "Our suit seeks to annul the environmental review and approval of Atlantic Yards by Charles Gargano's Empire State Development Corp., the Public Authorities Control Board, and the MTA, necessitating a fresh look from Gov. Spitzer, his new ESDC and MTA, and the PACB."
From City Councilwoman Letitia James:
The lawsuit will likely force demolition crews to postpone the beginning construction phase. "The preliminary injunction sought by this lawsuit would postpone demolition while protecting my community and constituents for intimidating and premature destruction,” says councilwoman Letitia James, who represents the Atlantic Yards area district. “Once the buildings are torn down they cannot be put back, and the injury to the community--a landscape of empty lots and 'interim surface parking' lots, plus the loss of the familiar buildings that comprise their neighborhood--is irreparable."
From Forest City Ratner, EVP Bruce Bender:
"Today’s action is simply the latest in long line of attempts to derail Atlantic Yards and the over 2,500 units of affordable housing, thousands of jobs for the community, job training programs, a new precedent for minority and women workers and contractors, and a new exciting home for the Nets," Bender says. "We believe that the opponents’ claims are without merit and we will prevail in court. And as we have all along, we remain committed to ensuring that the Atlantic Yards development represents the best of Brooklyn."
Posted by lumi at April 6, 2007 10:59 AM