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April 11, 2008
Forest City Ratner eighth in state lobbying, but has second-largest contract
Atlantic Yards Report
You didn't read this in the New York Times (or several other media outlets), but Forest City Ratner, though dropping to a eighth among lobbyists statewide in 2007, still managed the second-largest lobbying contract. In the 2006 tally, the developer was third in total lobbying and had the largest lobbying contract.
Significant FCR spending in 2006 was understandable; the project was approved that year by the Empire State Development Corporation and the Public Authorities Control Board.
However, the continued spending reminds us of the "Atlantic Yards permanent campaign;" even though the project has received official approval, much more, including a special 421-a tax break (achieved) and a campaign for additional subsidies (anticipated) was on the developer's agenda.
...
The [New York State Commission on Public Integrity] press release states:O'Brien & Gere Limited had the largest lobbying contract, valued at $1,547,812. The firm lobbies on its own behalf. Forest City Ratner Companies, a commercial real estate company, had the second largest contract with Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson, LLP, valued at $771,170.
Read the full article to learn what media outlet did run a story on lobbying largesse in Albany.
Posted by lumi at April 11, 2008 5:30 AM