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September 24, 2012
Weekend of Events Spotlight Unfulfilled Promises at Arena
Civic News
by David Herman
With the Barclays Center arena ready to open on Sept. 28, a wide range of community groups have organized “It’s a Crime” weekend, a series of events that will draw attention to promises far from fulfilled on the surrounding Atlantic Yards megaproject.
Rather than protest the arena itself, the multiple events that kick off on Thurs., Sept. 27, will highlight what New York State, New York City, and developer Forest City Ratner Companies promised to the people of Brooklyn, and address what has to be done now to ensure critically needed jobs, affordable housing, and other public benefits are delivered.
...Events for the “It’s a Crime” weekend include:
- Thurs., Sept. 27, 7 p.m.: a candlelight vigil with Brooklyn clergy, elected officials, and community organizations to remember people and families displaced by the Atlantic Yards project’s use of eminent domain, as well as recognize those at risk of displacement today. Gathering point will be close to the arena entrance, at Pacific Bears Community Garden, corner of Flatbush Avenue and Pacific Street. Click here for more information on exact meeting location.
- Fri., Sept. 28 (arena opening day): 11 a.m., press conference at Barclays Center, in front of the Pacific Bears Community Garden; 12- 4 p.m., popup actions all around Barclays Center; 5 p.m., a virtual rally (tweet #BarclaysCenter and @AYCrimeScene for housing and jobs now); 8 p.m., free outdoor screening of the documentary Battle For Brooklyn at the Dean Playground Ball Field, just half a block from the arena (Dean Street between Sixth and Carlton Avenues)
- Sat., Sept. 29: 6-8 p.m., opening reception for photographer Tracy Collins’ exhibit, “Atlantic Yards: Deconstructed,” at the Soapbox Gallery, 636 Dean St. The exhibit traces the “on the ground” impacts of the development over the past nine years through photography, video, and other media.
For more information on these and other activities, head to the AY Crime Scene website.
Posted by eric at September 24, 2012 8:46 PM