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August 31, 2009
It came from the Blogosphere...
Noticing New York, Ratner: The Little Boy Trying To Get Too Many Cookies Out of The Cookie Jar and Getting None
Michael D.D. White has been updating this blog post since testifying at the Atlantic Yards hearing on July 30th.
Here is a list (from which we read) of the very sweet “cookies” Mr. Ratner has been trying to get out of the public cookie jar when we delivered our testimony. As you can see from the video posted in the Atlantic Yards Report account, with only three minutes to testify we were only able to get to number 11 on the list.- The list goes to 24 but can easily be added to (contribute more in the comments section if you wish).
The right to 22 acres without a competitive bid.
An exclusive monopoly by a single developer over the ownership and development of more than 30 contiguous acres of central Brooklyn.
Eminent domain abuse and windfall profit from that abuse.
Extreme unprecedented density.
A lower capacity railyard for the MTA and Long Island Rail Road that will not allow for needed flexibility or provide future expansion and growth.
And many more...
Ground Report, If Atlantic Yards Is Built, I Pledge To...
Libertarian Richard Cooper makes a pledge regarding Atlantic Yards:
However, it may some day be built. If it does, I pledge to:
A) Not rent or buy commercial or residential space
B) Not attend any games at the arena, sometimes called the Brooklyn Nets Arena.
C) Boycott the commercial tenants there.
Brownstoner, Atlantic Yards: Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace
The organization Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn points out that today is the final day for the public to comment on the Atlantic Yards Modified General Project Plan. DDDB opposes the plan, obviously, due to its long-time stance against Forest City Ratner's $4 billion development project. DDDB cites abuses of eminent domain, for example, or the lack of proper community input on a project that will drastically alter the geography and character of several Brooklyn neighborhoods. Whatever your feelings are towards Atlantic Yards, however, today is your last day to throw in your $0.02. For instructions on how to comment, visit the Empire State Development Corporation website.
NoLandGrab: It's now a $4.9 billion project.
Brownstoner, Bruce Ratner, Moving on Down
Bruce Ratner, the developer behind the controversial Atlantic Yards mega-project, might be on the market for a less expensive home, reports the New York Post.
Bay Ridge Journal, Primary Push for Skaller
The Skaller09 campaign is looking for a few good Atlantic Yards opponents.
The primaries are coming up in just over two weeks. There are a couple of [opponents of Atlantic Yards] running, but there is one candidate who has not only shown unshakable conviction in the fight against Forest City Ratner but also created a stellar campaign based on grassroots organization and exceptional fundraising: Josh Skaller.
...Now we need to go beyond our comfort zone of friends and reach out to all of our acquaintances in the 39th district to make sure that they are motivated to vote for Josh. There are a lot of informed and intelligent voters who don't realize that Josh is the best candidate.
mole333's blog [The Daily Gotham], Lies, Damned Lies and Biviano's Campaign
The dispute here seems to be a question of who's more entitled to the mantle of true Atlantic Yards critic.
NLG: In reality, among candidates for the 33rd District Council race, both Ken Diamondstone and Ken Baer have greater bona fides when it comes to outright opposition to Atlantic Yards.
Posted by eric at August 31, 2009 12:16 PM