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February 12, 2009

Ratner Lobbying Hard for Stimulus Dollars

atlantic-yards-021209.jpgDespite the fact the "there is a long list of more worthy state projects — from the Second Avenue subway to the Cross-Harbor Freight Tunnel to high-speed upstate rail links — that would produce bigger public benefit from the stimulus bucks without bailing out a private real-estate developer," Forest City Ratner is trying to "elbow to the front of the line before any of the roughly $17 billion in federal aid arrives," writes New York Magazine. While Borough Prez Mary Markowitz is the only public official to publicly call for stimulus money to be diverted to the private project (and ESDC is unwilling to state its position), there are a number of electeds that Ratner has in his corner, including Mayor Bloomberg and Senator Schumer. The "key player," notes the magazine, is actually the original bloviator Alfonse D'Amato. After paying him big lobbying bucks over many years, Ratner plans to leverage the former Senator's close ties to Governor Paterson to make some rain.
Ratner’s Atlantic Yards Stimulus Shakedown [NY Mag]
Photo by Tracy Collins




Posted by Brownstoner at 9:30 AM | Comments (18)
Categories: Atlantic Yards

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Comments

"Cross-Harbor Freight Tunnel"

That idea is dead under the water now.

Posted by: dittoburg at February 12, 2009 9:32 AM

Yes, lets at least divert money to shovel-ready projects.

There's big politics at stake here too. Paterson is out as governor and its a race between Guiliani & D'Amato. D'Amato is a better politician, more likeable upstate and probably easier to get elected. Watch people line up with him and at his coattails.

If anyone thought that stimulus money was going to be doled out without a lot of political infighting, bickering and C-level mentality bullshit then you were living in some dream world.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 12, 2009 9:37 AM

Have to agree with you, Dave, although AY's "shovel readiness" shouldn't be the only criteria, not that you said it was.

There is nothing worse than seeing the uber rich and powerful once again manipulating the system, or just out and out buying the system, to get what they want. This is not for the greater public good, and if Albany wants to keep any shred of dignity, they will tell Ratner, "sorry, not this time, there are more worthy PUBLIC projects ahead of you." I'm not holding my breath, on this.

Shoot, I have a couple of great business plans I've been trying to get funded for years, the start up cost of which would only buy lunch for a room full of lobbyists, and I can't get squat. I most humbly think my ability to employ myself and a handful of employees is worthy of a stimulus package too.

Posted by: Montrose Morris at February 12, 2009 10:00 AM

I want to see more of the money go to improving train stations and more and better bus shelters. I hate waiting in the rain and freezing cold without even a windbreak. It's especially hard on the elderly in my neighborhood.

And to beat the same old drum- why can't we look into light rail systems?

Fix the potholes (yeah!)

Give that money to Ratner- why? It's tossing good money after bad and the city will see a minute return for the investment.

Posted by: bxgrl at February 12, 2009 10:05 AM

I certainly would hate to see Ratner getting ahead of more deserving projects but think about it, Atlantic Yards has the potential of being a blight on the neighborhood for decades to come. Who would that benefit?

Posted by: SouthParker at February 12, 2009 10:12 AM

Marty's cousin Mary getting into the mix now too?

Posted by: amt230 at February 12, 2009 10:21 AM

I'm going to take the same self-serving stance that the politicians & developers are taking. It makes the most sense. I want the projects closest to me to get funded. That means I'm for money to go to AY. I don't care about all the bullshit regarding what the makeup of affordable apartments and all that crap. I just want something built in the hole in the ground. I'll pronbably never go there. I certainly will never go to the Atlantic Mall but it beats any projects elsewhere in the City in my weltenschaum.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 12, 2009 10:21 AM

I can understand why you feel that way, dave. But AY? It's a horrible project and ratner is a top of the line money waster. Add to at eminent domain and I say its a bad idea. I'm all for construction jobs but they aren't the only industry in need of work.

Posted by: bxgrl at February 12, 2009 10:38 AM

bxgrl, I heartily recommend light rail systems as well, particularly for the boros. Wouldn't it be great if we had lr on the major multi-lane roads? lr can share space with cars, tho' that cuts down on the efficiency. Dedicated lr lanes would be the best, but that would be good for reducing car traffic...

Posted by: cmu at February 12, 2009 10:47 AM

Damage largely done. Finish it. I don't know what it looked like before they tore everything down. I had never been in brooklyn before 2007!!!!!!!

I'm trying to see the forest for the trees.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 12, 2009 10:49 AM

This kind of BS is a testament to the fact that politics is completely broken and our country is screwed until it gets a complete overhaul on all levels.

Posted by: werner at February 12, 2009 10:58 AM

I'm all for trolley cars.

Posted by: dittoburg at February 12, 2009 11:01 AM

And trolley dollies.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 12, 2009 11:17 AM

How about using eminent domain to take the blighted AY hole in the ground off Ratner's hands, at a fair price in the current market. How about $25 per buildable square foot. Then use some of the stimulus money to do something worthwhile with it for the public good.

Posted by: Bklnite at February 12, 2009 11:29 AM

"a race between Guiliani & D'Amato"

Ugh. Slime and Slimeball.

Posted by: East New York at February 12, 2009 11:40 AM

We could use eminent domain to grab that ugly worthless mall adjacent to the AY site and put some much needed condos in there, maybe build a giant tower.

Posted by: werner at February 12, 2009 11:54 AM

DIBS - it has looked the same for decades. They've torn down a few buildings, but the hole has been there forever. Your argument for spending billions of a private development rather than prioritizing transit is underwhelming.

Posted by: Putnamdenizen at February 12, 2009 3:37 PM

The problem is that the vast majority of the public's funding doesn't go to jobs and growth. It goes to Ratner as primary owner of the team we're building a free stadium for.


Posted by: Johnny at February 12, 2009 4:36 PM

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