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July 30, 2009
Developer Bruce Ratner doesn't offer renderings of Atlantic Yards plan
The NY Daily News coverage by reporters Jake Pearson and Erin Durkin focused on the conspicuous absence of renderings, plans or any meaningful information about how Bruce Ratner's controversial Atlantic Yards project is taking shape.
"We are being asked to comment on a phantom project, to review a project without being able to view the project plans. This is beyond ludicrous," said Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn spokesman Daniel Goldstein.
Since star architect Frank Gehry was booted from the project to save money, the Kansas City firm Ellerbe Beckett has been working to design a stripped-down arena for the Nets.
"The design is not complete yet," Forest City Ratner Executive Vice President MaryAnne Gilmartin said last week, adding that renderings would be released in September or October.
But Gilmartin also said the developer may not put out the images before the board votes — and doesn't have to.
ESDC counsel Steve Matlin agreed, saying Ratner isn't required by law to show images of the project before the final vote, as long as design guidelines are followed.
But Assemblyman Jim Brennan (D-Kensington) said ESDC was breaking the rules by moving the project forward without a design plan or a new environmental study. "You've violated the rights of New Yorkers," he said at the hearing.
"The state is imposing this project on the community without its consent."
Gilmartin also insisted the project will look nothing like images circulating publicly that have been compared to a barn or an airplane hangar.
NoLandGrab: You can't make this stuff up.
Gilmartin's argument in brief is:
- we are not legally obligated to show the public anything,
- but we will in September, October or whenever, and
- when we do, it will look nothing like the renderings that every cultural critic blasted last month.
Posted by lumi at July 30, 2009 6:42 AM