Voices from the Atlantic Yards Debate
Last Thursday night, NewsHour with Jim Lehrer ran a segment on the Atlantic Yards debate, interviewing a number of the key players and voices on either side. Here are some excerpts: Marty Markowitz, Borough Pres: Sports have a way of infusing the municipality in which it’s in with that pride, that spirit. And we have…
Last Thursday night, NewsHour with Jim Lehrer ran a segment on the Atlantic Yards debate, interviewing a number of the key players and voices on either side. Here are some excerpts:
Marty Markowitz, Borough Pres: Sports have a way of infusing the municipality in which it’s in with that pride, that spirit. And we have lots of spirit in Brooklyn, you know that. I mean my attitude is if you don’t live in Brooklyn, forget about it.
Bertha Lewis, Acorn: It’s the most far-reaching housing agreement that’s ever been reached in this country. No one else has 50-50 — no one. It’s exhilarating and it is scary
Candace Carpenter, DDDB: They are asking for $2 billion in subsidies, which are taxpayers’ money, that will be utilized to line Ratner’s pockets. And we don’t have any input.
Laetitia James, City Council: It basically says things like good faith effort. It says things like, “we will try.” It says things like “we will consider.” It says things like “we will work with the government.” That’s not an ironclad agreement.
Jim Stuckey, FCR: There might be a need for eminent domain; there might be a need for condemnation; that is something that the state will decide.
Vince Burns, Tenant: If they wanted to take down my building to put in a police station or school – I’d had to leave where I am because I love the place — but I’d understand that – I mean, that’s fine — but this project is about one very wealthy man who wants to become wealthier by, you know, kicking me out.
Developing Brooklyn [PBS NewsHour]
David, do you know Vince? How do you know he wouldn’t go quietly if not? However, if they were to build a police station or school there might be some argument possible about any use of eminent domain, and the people being forced out of their homes might be able to console themselves somewhat with that thought.
Vince, Vince, Vince you so wouldnt go quietly if they were going to build a school or a police station and we all know it.
go nets bay be!!!
please, marty, please … stop. i can’t take it anymore. please … MARTY. shuddupalready.
Sorry about that — in a hurry to get to the polls — I meant previous post, of course. And BTW I don’t live in Brooklyn Heights or Park Slope.
Even if you’re right Anon 12:01 (and as you can see from my pervious I imagine you are), I’m going out now to vote for Gloria Mattera and Fernando Ferrer. If the others win by a smaller landslide maybe they’ll get part of the message.
You all are forgetting just how large Brooklyn is. Maybe within the confines of Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights Marty is disliked, but beyond that bubble he is beloved. Think Bay Ridge, Canarsie, Flatlands, etc. Hence, his re-election is a foregone conclusion.
Buh-bye Mattera!
Now, that would be funny. Unfortunately, isn’t the post of Brooklyn Borough President for life or until overwhelming scandals force resignation? How did this person get elected in the first place (I wasn’t living in this country at the time)? At least Howard Golden gave some semblance of intelligence.
It is election day after all.
buh-bye, Marty.