July 18, 2005, NY Daily News — Fearing a repeat of the West Side stadium mess in Manhattan, a coalition of advocacy groups is demanding that the MTA publicize bids for the Atlantic Ave. railyards. “We really want the MTA to get the value of the property,” said Gene Russianoff of the Straphangers Campaign. The watchdog group signed off on a letter to the MTA last week along with 35 other groups. They want the cash-strapped agency to get top dollar for the site. Developer Bruce Ratner is trying to build a $3.5 billion basketball arena and 17 soaring skyscrapers over the yards and into Prospect Heights. Rival developer Gary Barnett of Extell Development Corp. is also trying to buy the 8.4-acre parcel for housing and retail. Both bids were submitted this month – but so far the MTA hasn’t said how much the yards are worth or how much is being offered. MTA spokesman Brian Dolan declined to comment on the letter.
Update: According to the NY Observer, the MTA has sent both proposals back to the bidders for “clarification”. This means it’s unlikely the MTA board will vote at its upcoming July 27 meeting. The upshot: We won’t know anything until the following meeting at the end of September.
Open Bidding Urged for Atlantic Avenue [NY Daily News]
More “Unavoidable Delays” [The Real Estate]


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