The UNITY plan launched yesterday may not have the backing of numerous public officials, but it does have Council Member Letitia James, the elected official most prominent in opposition to Atlantic Yards. Since I missed her appearance at yesterday's press conference, I asked her for a comment.(Photo by Jonathan Barkey)
She said that UNITY "truly respects the character of this historic community. Open space and low-rise residential growth reflect the wishes of community residents regarding what should be built over the rail yards. The community and I do not oppose development, just eminent domain abuse and out-of-scale buildings."
"I, along with others, anticipate not only getting involved with the process, but helping to shape the process. I am pleased that the UNITY Plan includes more pedestrian connections across Atlantic Avenue, integrating neighborhoods that are separated by the yards, and potentially slowing down traffic on Atlantic Avenue. And, the proposal includes selling parcels to individual developers, which may actually bring greater value to the land. The Unity Plan also addresses the most pressing need in the community - affordable housing. This plan for developing Brooklyn's Vanderbilt Yards is win-win for the community and developers."
Whether it can be a win-win, of course, is yet to be seen, but UNITY would involve a more transparent approval process than that which led to Atlantic Yards.
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