Judge Gives Ratner Go-Ahead To Start Demo
February 14, 2006 — A Manhattan judge ruled in favor of Forest City Ratner, allowing the developer to demolish 5 buildings that stand in the footprints of the proposed Nets Arena in Brooklyn. Although community groups tried to stop him, the judge says Ratner has the right to tear down 5 buildings near the Atlantic…
February 14, 2006 — A Manhattan judge ruled in favor of Forest City Ratner, allowing the developer to demolish 5 buildings that stand in the footprints of the proposed Nets Arena in Brooklyn. Although community groups tried to stop him, the judge says Ratner has the right to tear down 5 buildings near the Atlantic Railyards. Ratner says they’re unsafe while plaintiff’s argued an independent evaluation should be required. The buildings sit on land owned by Ratner. Asbestos removal is underway and with this victory, Ratner hopes to start demolition as early as next week. “It’s a relief to think that we’re very close to demolishing these structures, which are a hazard to the people who work and live in the adjoining buildings,” said Jeffrey Braun, an attorney for Ratner. There was a victory for the dozen community groups that banded together against Ratner. They were able to get a lawyer removed from the case. David Paget, an attorney for the Empire State Development Corporation, which is overseeing the environmental impact of the project, once worked for Ratner. The judge agreed with the plaintiffs calling it a conflict of interest.
Judge Rules in Favor of Ratner [NY1]
Demolition Can Proceed for Arena [NY Times]
Key Buildings Get Heave-Ho [NY Daily News]
Thank goodness that Forest City has been so forthcoming regarding this project, so as to put any fears to rest … NOT!
Anon 8:03 provides another illustration for why Ratner opponents are in a flop: they rely too heavily on fear. They’ve cited terrorism, traffic, lack of services, puking basketball fans, extreme heat from sun glare, and skyrocketing asthma rates. After a while, it becomes little more than hysteria.
I agree with everything the above poster said – except the comment about the Nets being a third rate team. Second rate maybe. The KNICKS are a 3rd rate team.
Nothing will ever convince me that Ratner is entitled to eminent domain. I know one of the people who will lose her home. For an inappropriate, unnecessary arena for a third rate team? And the projects he plans is an out of scale monstrosity- even Marty Markowitz, a supporter of the project, was aghast when he saw it and wants it scaled back. Beyond that there has been no provision whatsoever for increased traffic, increased pressure on area resources, increased numbers of subway and bus riders, or even making sure there are enough firehouses in the immediate area. The project as I’ve seen from the plans, will close off part of Pacific St. Just wait til the next medical emergency when the ambulances can’t get right up to the buildings. Or the first fire that the trucks can’t get too becuase the streets are closed off. Ratner is not a man of his word. They promised public parks, now they’re talking private. They promised at least 40% “affordable housing”, now they are trying to weasel out of it. Personally I don’t care if they don’t build anything there for awhile longer, so long as what they build they build right.
“you are right, this is in contrast to those cuddly wuddly teddy bears: Stuckey, Ratner, James Caldwell and their band of construction unionists shouting tear it down! boy i wish i could just snuggle upu to them all night long!”
Ah, yes, shift the focus to the behavior of the other side in order to avoid facing your own side’s shortcomings. Such denial will surely further your cause.
anonymous said:
The various personalities of prominent opponents are also drawbacks. Dan Goldstein comes across as a sourpuss know-it-all and Patti Hagan as a shrieking loudmouth.
you are right, this is in contrast to those cuddly wuddly teddy bears: Stuckey, Ratner, James Caldwell and their band of construction unionists shouting tear it down! boy i wish i could just snuggle upu to them all night long!
If I have no argument on the merits then just make assinine comments –
Everything rich people build is good. If it makes them richer, then it must be good for everybody.
Actually nothing has been built over the railyards – which is what this whole thing is about, so Atlantic Center and Atlantic Terminal are irrelevant.
But to take the bait – there is absolutly nothing wrong with AT, it is reasonably attractive, brings jobs at all levels (low end (retail) to high end (BONY)) to Brooklyn, is approriatly placed (over mass transit) and very popular with local residents (one of the highest volume Target stores in the country).