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June 11, 2012
B'klyn neighbors frustrated about Barclays Center worker invasion
NY Post
by Rich Calder
Yet another way in which the ESDC has completely abdicated responsibility protecting the quality of life around the Atlantic Yards site.
Rats and noise are one thing — but turning a neighborhood playground into a hangout for construction workers is just too much, say a band of Brooklyn neighbors near the rapidly rising Barclays Center arena.
The burly, foul-mouthed workers have virtually turned the children’s oasis into their own turf – lounging on benches, smoking cigarettes and then harassing neighbors who complain, residents told The Post.
The invasion has scared off many Park Slope and Prospect Heights parents and nannies, who say they had taken children to the Dean Street public playground between Sixth and Carlton avenues for years but now feel too intimidated to go back.
It’s our neighborhood amenity, and now we feel like we can’t even go there anymore. They curse and have no respect,” said a 40-year-old mother who lives a block away with her 7-year-old daughter.
Other neighbors complain that the workers congregate on local stoops as well.
...Civic leaders have asked the developer to station a security guard at the playground but to no avail.
A Forest City Ratner spokesman said the firm has “discussed” the playground “issue” with arena contractor Hunt Construction, the NYPD and the Mayor’s Office, adding police “should be notified” and potentially issue summonses if anyone is breaking the law.
However, residents say calling the cops has been ineffective because they generally can’t get there quick enough to catch the workers in the act.
Posted by eric at June 11, 2012 11:52 AM