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March 11, 2010

Atlantic Yards: A Scam, A Boondoggle, A Land Grab, A Bait & Switch, A Failure of Democracy

Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn

On the occasion of Bruce Ratner's Boondoggle Celebration and Groundtaking Ceremony for the elite, connected, wealthy, powerful and bought out, a short multiple choice quiz...

Question: What is Atlantic Yards?

A. A Corrupt Land Grab
B. A Taxpayer Ripoff
C. A Bait and Switch of Epic Proportions
D. A Complete Failure of Democracy
E. All of the above

Answer: E

Corrupt Land Grab
It was a no bid deal for 22 acres of extremely valuable private and public property handpicked by Bruce Ratner in a backroom. And the sham bidding process for the rail yard was fixed from the beginning. And the devious claim that a swath of some of the most valuable real estate in New York City.

Taxpayer Ripoff
A billion dollar arena mostly paid for by city, state and federal taxpayers which will be a net financial loss for New York City. Well over $2 billion in subsidies, tax breaks and exemptions, free and cheap land and "extraordinary infrastructure costs for a private, for profit arena and predominately luxury housing. Potential massive housing subsidies at a much higher per unit rate than normal. City tax dollars use for private purchases Ratner made using the threat of eminent domain.

A Bait and Switch of Epic Proportions
The project announced by Ratner in 2003, approved and sold to the public in 2006, is no longer going to happen, including the purported benefits of "affordable housing" and public open space. Instead we'll get a money losing arena, a building or two and acres and acres of blighting parking lots.

A Complete Failure of Democracy
Each branch of government passed the buck to the other, not one taking a responsible and close look at the realities of the Atlantic Yards project demonstrated by all of the above an more. The resulting plan and evenutal degraded plan are symptoms of this failure of democracy.

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Posted by eric at March 11, 2010 6:26 PM