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July 13, 2011
Battle for Brooklyn Press Release: Stunning defeat for Forest City Ratner and ESDC in AY Lawsuit sparks interest in Battle for Brooklyn
Today New York State Supreme Court Judge Marcy Friedman issued a stinging decision against the Empire State Development Corporation. Judge Friedman ruled that the "ESDC's use of the 10 year build date in approving the 2009 Modified General Project Plan (MGPP) lacked a rational basis and was arbitrary and capricious," and that the ESDC failed to evaluate the impact of extensive delays, at least 25 years, in the build-out of Phase II of the project.
The petitioners in the lawsuit, 26 community and neighborhood organizations led by Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn (DDDB), were very pleased about the ruling and the changes it must usher in politically.
The stunning news that the coummunity won a surprise victory in their lawsuit concerning the Atlantic Yards environmental impact statement could throw the rest of the project into doubt and brings new attention to "Battle for Brooklyn".
"For those people who have seen 'Battle for Brooklyn' it should come as no surprise that a Judge called foul on the process. Anyone who sees the film can see that the fix was in from the beginning, and hopefully now people will pay more attention," said co-director Suki Hawley.
"When they do a new environmental study there will clearly be more scrutiny, and that's a good thing. Perhaps this will even open the door to taking the community's alternate plan more seriously," added co-director Michael Galinsky.
Battle for Brooklyn runs through Thursday, July 14 at Brooklyn Heights Cinema
Will Play Every Wednesday Night for Rest of Summer
Posted by eric at July 13, 2011 5:26 PM