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March 19, 2010
Property owners must relocate soon, or face eviction
Brooklyn Downtown Star
by Daniel Bush
The state has asked holdout property owners inside the Atlantic Yards footprint to relocate by April 3. If they don't, the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC)- it seized possession of their properties this month- will request a court-issued writ of assistance authorizing the Kings County Sheriff's department to kick them to the curb.
ESDC sent a letter dated March 4 to Freddy's Bar on Dean Street and other property owners informing them they are required to relocate within 30 days. Confusing matters however, the letter goes on to ask property owners to also continue making rent payments- to their new landlord, ESDC- “commencing April 1,” according to a copy of the relocation notice letter obtained by the Star.
So what should property holders do- continue paying rent or relocate?
...Steve de Seve, who in recent months has assumed the role of spokesman for Freddy's, a neighborhood focal point for Atlantic Yards critics, said the bar has developed a defensive strategy. Organizers plan to assemble so many people at the bar the day police show up to shut it, they won't possibly be able to arrest them all. He estimated Freddy's needs roughly 6,000 volunteers.
Efforts are already underway to recruit eminent domain opponents from cities around the country who wish to rally to the cause. De Seve said he would risk going to jail over the matter. “Its going to be a big standoff,” he said.
Posted by eric at March 19, 2010 10:37 AM