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June 29, 2009
It came from the Blogosphere...
Joshing Politics, Markowitz...And Atlantic Yards Gets A Challenge
Borough President can be seen as a largely ceremonial job with no real duties but in Brooklyn this year, voters are going to be presented with a real choice for the office. Marty Markowitz is an affable guy, gets plenty of laughs and is generally well liked. Yet his hearty support for Bruce Ratner and the Atlantic Yards development is loathed by Brooklynites that wish to preserve their home and not let an obnoxious developer dictate what is blighted and what is not.
...The Daily News recently started a "throw the bums out" campaign in response to the State Senate debacle. However, that "party" can be extended to local government and unfortunately, Markowitz is just another bum, despite the persona. I wish Myrick the best of luck in his race and hope that when Brooklyn goes to the polls, that they punish Markowitz for his collusion and install Myrick to give the borough a real chance for change.
Noticing New York, Is New York Coming or Growing? The Bloomberg Administration Is of Little Mind
If New York City's population will grow to nine million people by 2030, as the Bloomberg administration claims, why then, Michael D.D. White wonders, is the Mayor shrinking our infrastructure, such as with Bruce Ratner's undersized replacement railyard and the disappearing Coney Island amusement zone?
Just what does the Bloomberg administration have on its little mind? Does it think that New York will grow and will it then plan for growth accordingly? Or is the Bloomberg administration planning for a shrinking New York? We think we can perceive some unfortunate consistency in the Bloomberg administration’s inconsistent answers.
Brownstoner, Historic District and AY: Like Pieces of a Puzzle
This map that Tracy Collins put together for the Atlantic Yards Report last week caught our eye but we didn't have room to fit it in at the end of the week. It very nicely summarizes how the newly-designated Prospect Heights Historic District overlays with the footprint of Forest City Ratner's proposed Atlantic Yards project. Cozy!
NoLandGrab: "Cozy" yes, but "overlays" no. The historic district is carved out by the footprint of the Ratner project.
Nets Daily, Final ESDC Hearing on Barclays Center Skedded for July 29-30
New York’s Empire State Development Corp. has scheduled hearings July 29-30 on Bruce Ratner’s revised plans for the Barclays Center and Atlantic Yards project. It’s anticipated that the ESDC will move soon after to approve the project. Ratner needs the approval–and a favorable ruling from the Court of Appeals–before he can market a half billion dollars in arena bonds.
Third String Safety, Jay-Z Can Save the Nets
Bruce Ratner is having difficulty supporting his franchise in flux. Reports have surfaced stating that Ratner is looking for other investors to help him manage the cost of the New Jersey Nets. A couple of outsiders have been rumored as possibilities, but someone who is already on the inside could be the best man for the job.
Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z, is part owner of the Nets and may hold the key to their future, both on and off the court. His particular celebrity status has the innate ability to change the face of the Nets.
NoLandGrab: Unless Mr. Z can hit a three in the final two minutes of NBA games, its unlikely he'll be the savior.
Nets Daily, Thorn: “We’re in Position to Sign Two Maxed Out Players in 2010″
In a 45-minute conference call, Rod Thorn told season ticket holders he expects the Nets to be “$27 to $30 million under the cap” in 2010, permitting them “if we so choose, to sign two maxed-out players”. Thorn didn’t rule moves this summer. He denied Bruce Ratner forced him to trade Vince Carter, adding it’s a “terrible spot to be in when you have a star in the later stages of his career and not a good team.”
Posted by eric at June 29, 2009 2:32 PM