Ratner Lobbying Hard for Stimulus Dollars
Despite 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…
Despite 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
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…
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.
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.
Marty’s cousin Mary getting into the mix now too?
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?
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.
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.
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.
“Cross-Harbor Freight Tunnel”
That idea is dead under the water now.