May 31, 2006

Speaker Quinn's Position on AY Still Unknown

The Observer today points out that relatively new Speaker of the City Council, Christine Quinn, has yet to weigh in on the future of the Atlantic Yards arena and surrounding development. This would be significant if only for her position as the number 2 pol in the city; it has extra resonance, however, given the vocal role she took in killing plans for the Jets stadium over the rail yards on the West Side of Manhattan last year. Quinn has met with Laetitia James and others who oppose the plan. And two years ago she appeared at a rally on the City Hall steps that opposed Ratner's plans. And last February she appeared on a panel called "Democracy and Development in Brooklyn" and spoke in favor od the community having a greater say in the plans. Still, the affordable housing component and the support of the Mayor's office make her ultimate position tricky to predict. In the end, the City Council has limited influence: At some point in the next month it will vote on next year's budget, which includes $50 million of the $200 million direct subsidy for the project. We shall see.
Speaker Quinn Still Mum on AY [NY Observer]

Posted by Brownstoner at 9:52 AM | Comments (10)
Categories: Development

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