Pols Call for Ratner to Abandon 421-a Carve-Out
State Senator Velmanette Montgomery and Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries haven’t been in agreement over the Atlantic Yards project. According to the AY Report, “Jeffries has been a cautious supporter of the project, more or less, while Montgomery has stood in staunch opposition.” But now, the two are teaming up to call out Forest City Ratner in…
State Senator Velmanette Montgomery and Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries haven’t been in agreement over the Atlantic Yards project. According to the AY Report, “Jeffries has been a cautious supporter of the project, more or less, while Montgomery has stood in staunch opposition.” But now, the two are teaming up to call out Forest City Ratner in a public letter that states:
“FCRC should publicly comply with the 421-a law, as applicable to everyone else, and build at least 20% of the condominium units in each luxury condominium building in a manner that is affordable to low and moderate income families. Anything short of publicly abandoning the special treatment set forth in the Atlantic Yards carve-out provision would justify a complete re-examination of the project by all appropriate government entities.”
The legislators are asking the developer to get back to them in writing by tomorrow, Friday, July 13. —KZ
Ratner Must Abandon 421-a Special Provision [DDDB]
Jeffries, Montgomery Ask Ratner to Abandon “Carve-Out” [AY Report]
Bloomberg Asks Spitzer to Veto Botched 421-a Bill [Brownstoner]
421-a Legislation in Graphic Form [Brownstoner]
Outrage Mounting over Ratner’s 421-a Carve-Out [Brownstoner]
Nobody seems to like the 421-a carve-out. This is not just the anti-Ratner crowd like Velmanette, but the “pro-Ratner” crowd like Hakeem and Bloomberg. Even AY supporters who came to Vito’s fundraiser oppose this when I spoke with them.
The gift to Ratner does not encourage development, and it serves no imaginable public purpose.
Whether Hakeem has any power is irrelevant. This is a very unpopular move, and it was a blunder by Vito. Vito has succeeded in creating dissention among the pro-AY electeds.
AY sucks. Why would Hakim Jeffries support it in the first place? Oh, yes, it is “good for black people.” It will “bring jobs to the area.” It will “bring affordable housing.” Well I guess that’s one lie down, two to go. In any case, he’s trying now. I suppose it’s better late than never. Or maybe not. Maybe in this case, late and never are the same.
What do you suggest 2:59, apathy? They may not win, but at least they tried. The “why bother because it probably won’t work” attitude of most Americans is the reason George Bush won the election. Only the fanatics seem to vote or put any effort into anything these days. Most others just seem to sit back using the excuse that their efforts probably won’t make a difference anyway, when in reality they are just lazy, generally content and don’t care enough. Then they spend hours they could have spent fighting the good fight complaining about the outcome. Sitting on the sidelines criticizing those actually making some effort or taking some action is easy and lame. I know it makes you feel wise and superior, but it is juvenile and of no help to anyone.
anony. the legal cases haven’t been decided as far as I understand. also, as far as I understand, Atlantic Yards hasn’t been built. so tiime will tell, won’t it.
Best bet for the city?
Drop the 421-a abatement program entirely.
Meanwhile, wind-down the Rent-Stabilization program as quickly as possible, especially in Manhattan.
Too many Manhattanites have milked this program for decades, enjoying unneeded benefits subsidized by everyone else in the city.
Of course not. I don’t begrudge them for trying. My point is that neither they nor any of the AY opponents should expect the letter to achieve its stated mission.
But if the goal is to add a document to the public record in order to appear “worthwhile”, then I suppose that has been accomplished. That is one interesting trait of AY opponents: they equate efforts with success. If you view the “we are proud of our accomplishments” section of Develop Don’t Destroy’s web site, it lists efforts (e.g. white papers, newsletters, marches, etc.), but no genuine victories (e.g. legal, Extel winning the bid, convincing the masses to join their fight, etc.). To me, there’s a difference between the two, though others obviously disagree.
Yes, nothing may come of it. that’s very likely. but the reps of the district going directly after Bruce Ratner on this, publicly and on the record is worthwhile.
What’s your point exactly, that because their letter may not accomplish what it tries to, they shouldn’t have written it?
11:12,
Stop with the hairsplitting. Regardless of the target or goal, this effort will fall flat.
You contend that Ratner would be wise not to ignore Jeffries and Montgomery. Why? What could they possibly do if he does not respond to their letter? I refer you back to the statement about their lack of power.
To repeat: nothing will come of this. But I respect your wish to dream otherwise.
mel says”
“it should ALL be affordable housing!”
Don’t worry about that. Now matter how AY housing is structured, it will be affordable to someone. No units will sit empty for lack of renters or buyers.