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February 19, 2008
EMINENT DOMAINIA: The Big Apple Bites!
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NY Daily News, Willets Point plan loses key backer Councilman Hiram Monserrate told Bloomberg deputies Thursday he is pulling his support for the massive Willets Point redevelopment in his district - just as the project's extensive review process is about to get underway. |
"We still have a lot of questions. I don't believe it would be prudent to go forward until those questions are answered," Monserrate said.
He was joined by Councilmen John Liu (D-Flushing) and Tony Avella (D-Bayside), who represent the neighboring districts.
Their opposition comes at a crucial time.
The Willets Point plan was scheduled to be ready for community board hearings on Feb. 25. From there, it would head to the Council, which has to approve zoning changes and other measures before building can begin.
NoLandGrab: The City would also have to approve the use of eminent domain to seize property from local business owners.
1010 WINS, Black History Month: Saving History in Brooklyn
This story about one of the Duffield St. homes was brought to our attention by Duffield St. Underground.
The good news is that Joy Chatel has saved her home at 227 Duffield Street in Downtown Brooklyn from eminent domain.
A bricked-up tunnel in the building's basement is believed to be an escape route used in the Underground Railroad.
Chatel now hopes to turn it into a cultural center and museum. People have already showed up on her doorstep.
"I believe in that saying that was in the movie, Kevin Costner movie, 'if you build it, they will come'," Chatel said. "People have come from all over the world already."
But in order to turn it into a proper museum, she needs help and a fundraiser is being held on February 29th.
Posted by lumi at February 19, 2008 5:12 AM