The legal challenges against Atlantic Yards are dwindling. On Friday afternoon a state judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn and 25 other community groups challenging the project’s environmental impact review statement. In her 71-page decision, Justice Joan A. Madden shot down most of the lawsuit’s claims, which argued that the state’s review of the project didn’t fully account for its possible effects on traffic, security and open space. Forest City Ratner, Marty Markowitz and the ESDC hailed the decision. “We are very pleased with Judge Madden’s decision, as it further clears the way for Atlantic Yards and the thousands of jobs, affordable housing units and world-class arena—the Barclays Center—that will accompany the project,” said Forest City chief executive Bruce Ratner. The dismissal means the only major lawsuit still pending against Atlantic Yards is the one challenging the use of eminent domain for the project. DDDB says it plans to appeal Madden’s decision, and that the anti-AY fight still has plenty of life left in it. “We are disappointed by the court’s ruling. But let’s be clear: Atlantic Yards cannot move forward while the thirteen plaintiffs—homeowners, business owners and tenants—are in federal court in a separate case challenging New York State’s unconstitutional use of eminent domain. We expect to prevail in that lawsuit, as well as on the appeal of today’s decision,” said DDDB spokesman Daniel Goldstein.
NY State Supreme Court Rules for ESDC in Atlantic Yards Lawsuit [DDDB]
Atlantic Yards Environmental Impact Review Suit Dismissed [Gowanus Lounge]
Judge Dismisses Challenge to AY Environmental Review [Atlantic Yards Report]
Big Loss for Atlantic Yards Foes as Environmental Lawsuit Dismissed [NY Observer]
Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Seeking to Block Atlantic Yards [NY Times]
Atlantic Yards model from AtlanticYards.com