Undergound RR: Consultants Caught In Another Lie
The latest in a series of holes-you-could-drive-a-truck-through in the credibility of the ESDC-sponsored report that made the case against preserving the row of houses on Duffield Street with credible links to the Underground Railroad in Brooklyn? The consultants hacks who wrote the report, AKRF, claimed that the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) had…
The latest in a series of holes-you-could-drive-a-truck-through in the credibility of the ESDC-sponsored report that made the case against preserving the row of houses on Duffield Street with credible links to the Underground Railroad in Brooklyn? The consultants hacks who wrote the report, AKRF, claimed that the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) had ruled that the houses were not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places when in fact the Office had never been asked to make determination. According to a press release from City Council Member Letitia James, the only contact AKRF ever had with SHPO was an information request about whether the state agency had anything existing in their files about the Duffield Street houses; the consultants misrepresented a negative response to this question as an explicit rejection of the houses’ eligibility. As a result of the purposefully misleading actions, James has called for a halt to any proceedings relating to the seizure of the properties through eminent domain. In the meantime, as we understand it, anyone wanting to put a statement on record with HPD has until May 30.
Underground Railroad Hearing Set For Tomorrow [Brownstoner] GMAP
so let me get this straight. the SME FIRM is hired to conduct seemingly flawed studies for both Atlantic Yards and the Underground Railroad Safehouses.
And both projects involve the use of eminent domain.
And in both projects the ‘flawed’ studies paved the way for the destruction of these properties and the forced takeover of individual citizen’s properties?
Is there a correlation here or am I just mis-reading the facts?
Tish James has been a tireless supporter of issues that affect the everyday people in this borough. She has fought for keeping firehouses open, and keeping development deals above board, and trying to make sure that those who feel disenfranchised from the system get a voice. She’s worked to get rid of the brothel on Lefferts place, and to help clean up Clinton Hill drug spots. That’s just a few projects that have been in Brownstoner’s blog.
I am not her staff member or her mother, I don’t even particularly like or trust most of our politicians, but Tish James has impressed me for her seemingly tireless pursuit of the things that are of interest and importance to her constituents. Of course there are some that won’t be happy. But considering the size and complexity of diversity amongst those constituents, she’s amazing. If anyone thinks they can do or be better, they are welcome to run for office.
10:14, I think that 9:46 was implying that AKRF gets so many of these jobs because it is a minority or woman owned business eligible for contract preferences. Don’t know if that is true, although I do know that there work is highly respected by government officials. Ironic, I know, given the errors in this study and the FEIS for Atlantic Yards.
Oh, and not to get all semantic on ya 9:40, but Tish James is NOT one of this city’s most effective politicians. She may be one of the city’s strongest advocates, or most moral, or whatever you think. But effective means that she accomplishes her goals, and she hasn’t.
10:14, what i meant was that i believe, but am not sure, that they are either a certified woman-owned or minority-owned business. i was referring to the fact that on major public contracts, from planning, design to construction, there are certain set-asides or goals established for the utilization of these types of firms. having been the owner of a “certified” firm in one of those two designations for the past 10 years, i think i have a pretty good understanding of the some (but not all) of the complexities and politics behind the decisions by city agencies to go with one firm or another on projects of the types akrf gets involved (although, to be honest, i do understand them to be more than just a planning firm).
i guess i was kind of lazy in how i phrased my comment and questions: which is, how is that they have ALL the work (i exaggerate, but it seems that way to me)? and yes i have at least a 4th grade education. dropped out at 5th, but that’s whole ‘nother story.
and, by the way, i am a firm believer in the concept of creating opportunties for small and disadvantaged businesses in public contracting. i’ve benefitted from it (but, lacking the political savvy i admit i haven’t exactly prospered the way other firms have).
Tish James for Mayor
anon 9:46- could you put that in intelligible terms- that women/minority thing? You know, so we know you at least had a 4th grade education?
Tish James’s obsession with trying to stop development is ridiculous. I’m glad that she’ll soon be out of office.
exactly 9:32.
plus, akrf seems to have a major stranglehood on these types of consulting engagements throughout the city. i wish i knew why that was. they probably fit into the woman/minority thing, but beyond that, would is it? i’m sick of seeing their name on just about every major report (eis, etc.). it kind of makes people who would consider going into that consulting field, and who live in the city, think that the only place that would have jobs available would be akrf. and who would want to work for them. and would they even give you one?
9:27, I’m sure if she spent every waking moment doing whatever it is you want her to be doing, you’d still complain. Tish James is one of this city’s most effective politicians, whether you like her or not.