479dean_61009.jpgThe Empire State Development Corporation is gearing up to defend the Atlantic Yards’ use of eminent domain later this month in court, a decision that will make or break the infamous development project. Gabby Warshawer (who also writes for Brownstoner) reported in The Real Deal that if the ESDC prevails, then several residences and businesses along Dean and Pacific will be condemned under eminent domain and occupants will be relocated. More importantly, Warshawer obtained a contract between the ESDC and the Cornerstone Group, a firm contracted for its relocation services that has a history of questionable results. Under the contract, the Cornerstone Group would receive no more than $40,000 in order to contact, meet with and interview each occupant that needs to be relocated to determine individual needs and relocation preferences and provide a comprehensive database of available apartments either through its own resources or by working with a residential real estate brokerage firm. The firm must do the same for businesses, but Warshawer notes that in 2006 Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and Congressman Jerrold Nadler claimed that the Cornerstone Group, an MTA subcontractor charged with assisting in relocation, has continuously failed to provide helpful rental listings for those forced to relocate.
Making Money Off Eminent Domain at AY [Brownstoner]
Image of 479 Dean via PropertyShark


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. Yea, as if someone as rich as Daniel Goldstein needs such a service. You guys must remember that all writers for brownstoner are biased against the project. I suspect that it must be a requirement for the job.

  2. i agree with antidope that this really is reaching to find scandal. but for accuracy’s sake, the article actually says they are contracted for a max of $40K *per month* for spearheading the entire relocation effort. seems reasonable to me.