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June 18, 2009
Perkins, warning of "sweetheart deals," asks MTA to reveal terms of Vanderbilt Yard contract and answer other questions
Atlantic Yards Report
After failing to ask many tough questions at the May 29 state Senate oversight hearing on Atlantic Yards, Sen. Bill Perkins, who chairs the Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions--or at least does so as long as the Democratic Party maintains control--has begun to grill the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
In the letter (below) to MTA Acting Executive Director Helena Williams, Perkins asked the MTA to reveal the terms of the deal it is renegotiating with Forest City Ratner and further asked:
- why no new RFP was issued
- whether the MTA recognizes that many promised public benefits would be gone
- whether the MTA has had the railyard site appraised and knows the Fair Market Value
- whether the MTA thinks an independent appraisal is needed
- what happens if Forest City closes the deal but doesn't proceed with the project
Perkins asked for a response by Friday, June 19, in anticipation of the June 24 MTA board meeting. The letter was CC'd to various state officials and local elected officials.
Update 1:50 pm: "We'll certainly respond to the letter," said MTA spokesman Jeremy Soffin.
(Whether that means a detailed response or a "no negotiating in public" brushoff remains to be seen.)
Posted by eric at June 18, 2009 2:28 PM