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June 5, 2008
Motives of Atlantic Yards Rally Are Questioned
The NY Sun
By Peter Kiefer
The Reverend Al Sharpton and a number of elected officials are expected at a Forest City Ratner Co. rally today in downtown Brooklyn to renew support for the $4 billion Atlantic Yards project.
Some elected officials who oppose the project are questioning whether the rally is really just a prelude to another round of requests for additional state subsidies.
"I think that the project itself is in jeopardy — and it was a bad one to start out with — and that is why I think they are doing this," Council Member Tony Avella said. "Obviously they are trying to make the point that this has to happen immediately. But this is nonsense. Brooklyn is doing very well, and if this is about subsidies — well it ain't going to happen."
NoLandGrab: From a marketing perspective, this rally doesn't add up, which is why many good-government enthusiasts are skeptical. If Atlantic Yards is a "done deal" and would be a net economic benefit for the City and State, then why does Ratner need to pony up for free food, entertainment and swag to get folks to come out for a rally?
Posted by lumi at June 5, 2008 5:18 AM