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April 18, 2008
Construction and Hard Times
The NY Times
Just this week, Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn called on the Times to editorialize on the controversial Atlantic Yards plan in the face of major construction delays and revelations about more subsidies to come.
Today's editorial on the state of NYC megaprojects sponsored by the Empire State Development Corporation is a likely indicator of where the paper stands on the largest single-source private development project in the city's history.
Work is slowing, stalling or stopped altogether on too many of the projects we hoped would transform some of the bleakest sections of the city.
The faltering economy is a big factor, but there is also a lack of leadership. The leader of the Empire State Development Corporation quit along with Eliot Spitzer, the disgraced former governor.
A committee of marquee name business leaders that was formed to find a replacement has just begun its search, but it needs to act quickly. There are far too many important projects in need of the support and direction of a top-flight developer and negotiator.
...
Atlantic Yards The Nets arena appears to be moving ahead, but the centerpiece Miss Brooklyn building designed by Frank Gehry is likely to be delayed. A strong state hand could ensure that the project — with adequate lower-income housing — survives hard times.
NoLandGrab: "Strong state hand" and "adequate low-income housing" — nuff said?
We're fairly certain that Bruce Ratner has nominated acting CEO Avi Schick for the job. ["Meet Avi Schick, New York's New Steamroller"]
Posted by lumi at April 18, 2008 4:44 AM