Word Leaks of Atlantic Yards Size Reduction
News today of Bruce Ratner’s plans to reduce the size of the Atlantic Yards project comes as little surprise; we don’t expect that the move will appease many of the projects strongest opponents, as it does nothing to address issues of density, services or environmental impact. In fact, a cynic might be forgiven for thinking…
News today of Bruce Ratner’s plans to reduce the size of the Atlantic Yards project comes as little surprise; we don’t expect that the move will appease many of the projects strongest opponents, as it does nothing to address issues of density, services or environmental impact. In fact, a cynic might be forgiven for thinking that it smacks of well-choreographed political theatre. While a formal announcement isn’t expected until later this month, the word is that the reduction will shave off 500,000 to 700,000 square feet from the project by eliminating hundreds of market-rate apartments. The number of affordable apartments would reportedly remain the same. In the process, the height of some of the towers, including a 350-foot building on Site 5 and maybe even Miss Brooklyn (gotta throw Marty a bone) would be reduced.
Developer Said to Cut SIze of Yards [NY Times]
Where oh where did DDDB ever get the incredibly naive idea that Ratner will “give up” on this project. This is the biggest project of his life and anyone who thinks that he would give up so easily is, to put it politely, cognitively deficient.
There’s a thing called the real world. Try living in it for a change.
Agree that polling question can skew result. But what one can readily infer is that there is no groundswell community objection to this project.
However passionate DDDB and other are against this, most NYers don’t seemed to be concerned or bothered by issues raised.
First off the poll didn’t survey “Brownstone Brooklyn.” Second off the poll is absure garbage in garbage out.
see here:
http://atlanticyardsreport.blogspot.com/2006/09/crains-poll-questions-were-stunning.html
Perhaps Brownstone Brooklyn is not as opposed to AY as you may think they are or as you are. Read article Brownstoner has link to today about poll of how NYers view AY.
When people say done deal are they being cynical about the process or are they trying to encourage cynicism and despair on the parts of others? I am less against a dramatic and potentially somewhat large development than others I know (I will miss being able to drive to Park Slope, but hey, maybe I shouldn’t be driving around Brooklyn as much as I do anyway). That said I think the history of teh city has shown that done deals have often not gotten done in the face of concerted opposition. Whether Brownstone Brooklyn will ever have the power of West Side Manhattan is an open question, nonetheless the drumbeat of “don’t even bother you can’t influence the process,” “it is gonna happen folks so shut up” is very sad. If indeed it is part of a Ratner campaign to undercut opposition it is shameful that that organization would seek to destroy American civic culture for a few bucks. I know, I know, that’s a done deal too…
It’s so funny, ’cause it’s not a done deal. You think an eminent domain case is going to get wrapped up in time for the Nets to play the 2009 season?
We just have to draw this thing out long enough for Ratner to get tired (like in Yonkers). And THEN some sensible development can start.
D-O-N-E-DE-A-L!!!
The Times putting a non-objective tint on an issue? Say it isn’t so . . .
Norman is right- this is a BS concession and was clearly the FRC plan to begin with when they raised the amount of square footage several months ago. The plan is now 2% below the original proposal. As far as I am concerned, this is far from acceptable. No kudos to Marty from here.