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Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park infographics: what's built/what's coming/what's missing, who's responsible, + project FAQ/timeline (pinned post)

Senate hearing condensed for Twitter: double standard obvious

OK, first I published some 10,000 words on Friday's Senate hearing on Atlantic Yards, then distilled it earlier into a medium-lengh Cliff's Notes.

Here's a version almost short enough for Twitter:
Why do the state and city proclaim public benefits based on old fiscal data, but renegotiate with Forest City Ratner based on changing economic conditions?

From ten tracks to nine, and then seven

Also, today NLG did the math and pointed out that the Vanderbilt Yard [corrected] not long ago had ten tracks; the plan as agreed was to produce an upgraded yard with nine tracks, but the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has compromised with Forest City Ratner and agreed to only seven.

[Updated: While the Vanderbilt Yard once had ten tracks, three were removed before this 3/08 photo by Tracy Collins.]

Comments

  1. The Atlantic Yards Project is an assault on the rule of law and a blueprint for the corruption of government.

    ESDC (a/k/a/ Ratner) nows has a dilemna. ESDC would prefer to keep the public from learning how little remains of the Atlantic Yards Project ESDC approved in
    2006.

    But ESDC cannot lawfully amend the existing General Project Plan, based only on the papers, studies, proceedings, votes, and notices had to date.

    The courts - which, we have seen, otherwise turn a blind eye to eminent domain abuse - will not permit ESDC to keep the real project a secret from the public.

    Beyond the explicit statutory requirements under the NY Eminent Domain Procedure Law, due process of law requires a public hearing based on facts, and not on fictions.

    Moreover, the First Amendment right to petition for redress of grievances requires that facts and decisions that are subject to judicial review be made available, and not be kept a secret.

    Finally, while ESDC can (and does) lie to the public, the press, and now to a Senate committee, it cannot lie to a judge.

    ESDC's AYP condemnation proceeding will have to go back to square one. There will be no October ground breaking.

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  2. Anonymous10:15 PM

    Actually, I believe the Vanderbilt Rail Yard currently only have 7 tracks, if I counted correctly on my walk past them this evening. Didn't have a camera with me to provide evidence, but will get a photo tomorrow.

    I believe they removed a couple of tracks sometime last year, but can't be certain right now.

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