Bruce Ratner's plans to move along with his Atlantic Yards project -- ok, with at least the bare bones part of it, which is the stadium -- were given a turkey boost.
A Court of Appeals ruled that New York State was within its rights in seizing property in that area, roughly at the intersection of Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues, so that Rater's project could move foward.
Assemblyman Hakeen Jeffries, for one, is a little irritated by the court's decision.
He said (in a press release): "The use of eminent domain to benefit a private developer to build a basketball arena for a team owned by a foreign billionaire is an abuse of this extraordinary power, and I hope that Governor Paterson will choose not to exercise it.”
Standing with Jeffries as an opponent of the project (a very key opponent) is the group Develop Don't Destroy, which says the battle to stop Ratner is far from over. (Group's Web site is here.) (You'll have to search around. Group is still developing -- admittedly, a bad word -- its reaction to the court decision.)
As for Borough President Marty Markowitz, he seems excited by it all and just issued a release saying the borough is getting ready for its first pro home team since the Dodgers left:
"We will bring a national professional sports team and a world-class facility back to our borough after 52 years! Brooklyn's shovels are, and have been, ready. So, let's pick them up and get to work!" [to see original, beautiful AP photo, see this Jersey site.]
Eminent Domain has few fans in the public among property owners.
However, it's fan base could grow in multiples when the site fills with much needed jobs to kick the local economy into gear.
Haven't supported the Develop, Don't Destroy Brooklyn cause due to its backing and general premise.
Feel terrible for Hakeem and Letitia. They're probably dealing with tough choices knowing the unemployment rate amongst African American Males in NYC is above 25%.
They need to find a way to get on this train because it's pulling out and could leave their political futures in jeopardy.
Posted by: Michael Corley | November 30, 2009 at 11:33 AM