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May 22, 2012
An Open Letter to Barbra Streisand & Leonard Cohen Re: Barclays Arena Shows
Before Playing Barclays Arena Superstars Urged to Learn About History Behind Despised Atlantic Yards Project
Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn
Dear Ms. Streisand and Mr. Cohen:
We at Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn, the grassroots community non-profit organization that led the fight against Forest City Ratner's Atlantic Yards project and advocated for inclusive, democratic development, write to you regarding your scheduled performances at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The billion dollar, publicly subsidized Barclays arena is the only component of the larger Atlantic Yards project under construction.
We understand the excitement your fans feel about your upcoming shows in Brooklyn and we do not question your right as artists to play whatever venue you choose to play, or your fans' right to enjoy your performances.
However, as artists of your stature and caliber, as artists with a history of philanthropy, social justice and civil liberty advocacy, and protest lyrics, we strongly urge you to take on every citizen's responsibility to learn about the history behind the venue you are associating yourselves with.
We believe you won't like what you discover.
Click through for the rest of this must-read letter.
Posted by eric at May 22, 2012 11:37 AM