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January 30, 2008
FCRC: "We remain completely committed"
Forest City Ratner spokesperson Bruce Bender apparently released the following statement in response to the rash of news reports about the company's claim in court that lawsuits by opponents were having a "chilling effect" on the project's financing.
"The opponents have lost over a dozen court decisions on the merits and have now decided to try to further delay this important project through appeals. While that's their right, we're confident that we will once again prevail in court.
"But let's be realistic here. Their goal is to delay project [sic] in the hope that they can damage it, eliminating along the way the benefits to the surrounding communities, including the much needed jobs and affordable housing. This scorched earth policy of anything goes to delay a development that has been reviewed, supported and approved by the state legislative leaders and an overwhelming majority of people in Brooklyn, is disappointing but not unexpected.
"FCRC has been part of Brooklyn's economic growth for over 20 years and we have successfully developed throughout many different market cycles. We remain completely committed to making Atlantic Yards and its numerous benefits a reality for everyone. Regardless of the opponents' delay tactics, we will continue to move forward as quickly as possible."
NoLandGrab: "Their goal is to delay the project?" Bruce Bender doesn't give project opponents enough credit. As far as we can tell, the goal of the lawsuits is to stop the project, send it back to the drawing board, and pave the way for a saner development based on real community input. There are also some home owners, tenants and business owners (and a host of people who support them) who believe that the Constitution should protect them from being forced out to make way for a private project.
Posted by eric at January 30, 2008 11:10 AM