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November 29, 2007
Goodby (sic) Dolly
The Neighborhood Retail Alliance
Lobbyist and Forest City Ratner consultant Richard Lipsky's reaction to the NYC Conflict of Interest Board's fining of Dolly Williams:
The news that City Planning Commissioner Dolly Williams was leaving the body because of a conflict of interest didn't do much to move us; we just don't hold the Commission in enough regard to really react to the news.
However, Lipsky holds Atlantic Yards in high enough regard to continue:
Others, however feel differently. As the NY Sun reports, DDD's Daniel Goldstein looks favorably upon Williams' removal because of conflicts involving Atlantic Yards, and her replacement by Shirley McRae, a sometime critic of the project: "As for the new commissioner: "It's got to be an improvement over someone who's just been fined over conflicts of interest," Mr. Goldstein said. He added that he was encouraged by Ms. McRae's critical perspective on the Atlantic Yards issue during her time on the local community board."
Goldstein should really temper his enthusiasm, it tends to place too much emphasis on the import of all of this minor maneuvering. After all, a conflict at the planning commission, a body that faithfully discharges the mayor's will, has little impact on the resolution of any individual issue; it's not a venue where democracy is exercised.
He does leave us with a relevant parting proverb that applies as much to Atlantic Yards as it does to the Columbia Expansion plan, though we're sure that he'd split every hair on his head in disagreement.
"The law punishes the thief who steals the goose from off of the common; but lets the greater felon loose, who steals the commons from the goose."
NoLandGrab: Lipsky is still smarting from the community's loss before the Planning Commission this week (as are we), where the commission shamefully voted to approve the Columbia University expansion plan, despite widespread public opposition.
Lipsky has a point — any one commissioner doesn't wield very much power. However, he's overlooking the point that Williams sought to use her position to further her own financial interests, which is a hallmark of governmental corruption.
Posted by lumi at November 29, 2007 5:22 AM