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March 11, 2010

Groundbreakingtaking: Today's the day

NBC New York, After Years of Delays, Groundbreaking Today at Atlantic Yards

Protesters are expected to turn out in downtown Brooklyn today as construction on the controversial Atlantic Yards project is set to officially begin after years of delays and court challenges.

Gov. David Paterson, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and rapper Jay-Z will join developer Bruce Ratner at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Earlier this week, streets in the already-clogged area between Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues began closing to clear the way for construction on the $4.9 million project which has been stalled by court challenges, the recession and numerous changes to the original plan -- including the loss of star architect Frank Gehry.

NY1 News, Groundbreaking Ceremony Scheduled For New Nets Arena

According to the New York Daily News, 22 residents and businesses near the site have been sent letters from the state telling them they will be evicted if they do not leave voluntarily by April 3rd.

"Officials should not be celebrating today, they should be investigating today," said a resident who is being asked to vacate his home.

AP via NJ.com, Groundbreaking is set for Brooklyn home for NJ Nets

A groundbreaking ceremony is set for the massive Atlantic Yards development in Brooklyn that includes an arena for the New Jersey Nets.
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Opponents plan to stage a protest near the site before the ceremony.

7online.com, Groundbreaking day for Atlantic Yards arena

It's been a bitter turf war pitting residents and businesses against the Atlantic Yards developer, but Brooklyn's new arena finally breaks ground.
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The full project, all 16 apartment and office towers could take the next quarter-century to complete. But families and businesses in the area could get kicked out of the area now.

Park Slope Neighbors via Only The Blog Knows Brooklyn, March 11th: Protest the Atantic Yards Ceremonial Groundbreaking

Eric McClure, who runs Park Slope Neighbors, is urging all of his friends and neighbors to heed Develop Don’t Destroy’s call to protest the groundbreaking on March 11th at the Atlantic Yards.

The Brooklyn Ink, MORNING ROUNDUP—3/11/10

The big news of the day: the massive, and massively controversial, Atlantic Yards project is set to officially begin today, changing the fabric of the borough forever.

Bay Ridge Journal, Atlantic Yards Protest Tomorrow Today

An e-mail blast from Rev. Billy today announced that there will be a mock Atlantic Yards groundbreaking and funeral for the soul of Brooklyn at 12:30 PM tomorrow today, followed by an "anti-celebration" counterpointing Developer Bruce Ratner's celebration, beginning at 1PM.

The meet-up point will be outside of Freddy's Bar at 485 Dean Street.

Brooklyn Born, Protest Atlantic Yards Ground Breaking 12:30pm today!

Posted by eric at March 11, 2010 9:35 AM