tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20743459.post8259831109107296409..comments2024-03-28T05:19:17.215-04:00Comments on Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park Report: Clear enough? Misreading the Extell interview regarding Atlantic YardsNorman Oderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618087999719667586noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20743459.post-63102971032809725162008-01-02T00:17:00.000-05:002008-01-02T00:17:00.000-05:00Let's not forget the excellent contribution of the...Let's not forget the excellent contribution of the Pacific Plan alternative proposed by Doug Hamilton. Although some in the opposition did not promptly get behind it many of us like it as a well conceived alterative that exists it various versions. Preferably, we would do a version without an arena. Among those who like the Pacific Plan is the Brooklyn Heights Association, a member of Brooklyn Speaks and I believe the Municipal Arts Society, also a Brooklyn Speaks member, has good things to say about the Pacific Plan.<BR/><BR/>But I am shocked, simply shocked that there is any question that the Gary Barnett’s remark about the bidding was meant “sarcastically.”- Given that his language is such a clear quote from “Casablanca” its meaning is quite clear. - The quote from Casablanca is quite elucidating:<BR/><BR/>Captain Renault: I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here! <BR/>[a croupier hands Renault a pile of money] <BR/>Croupier: Your winnings, sir.<BR/><BR/>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034583/quotes<BR/><BR/>Compare Barnett’s “We are shocked—shocked—that we bid $150 million, [Forest City Chairman Bruce] Ratner bid $50 million, yet he somehow managed to get it.”<BR/><BR/>The phrase is a colloquial quick way of referencing something that is officially illegal and improper but which everybody knows is actually going on and which the those in officialdom are supposed not to acknowledge even when it is under their noses and affecting what they do.<BR/><BR/>How clearly are people on the inside supposed to express things when they acknowledge the bidding was a hopelessly rigged game?<BR/><BR/>The person I am really wondering about is Errol Lewis- Why does he trip over himself supporting Atlantic Yards, attacking those who don’t and at the same time indicate that if all things were neutral he wouldn’t? Do I detect the sulfuric smell of some Faustian bargain?MDDWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16693635186364315879noreply@blogger.com