If you didn't know better, by reading Gotham Gazette's 2010 predictions you'd think that Forest City Ratner's Atlantic Yards project is on its last legs rather than survived a key decision on eminent domain and seen the sale of $511 million in arena bonds.
That's not to say that the kinks in the bond deal--escrow until the delivery of property by condemnation--don't leave wiggle room for additional challange. But the advantage has to go to FCR, and it's surprising that no contributor--hey, where's Marty Markowitz?--pointed that out.
Excerpts from the article are below, with each individual's statements excerpted except for those from Daniel Goldstein.
If Atlantic Yards proceeds, one legacy may be tougher legislation on eminent domain.
State Senator Bill Perkins
I would like to see continuing types of reform we were able to pass this year like the public authorities reform bill.
I am looking forward to introducing legislation on eminent domain reform. I think there is a movement that has been galvanized around that issue.
Daniel Goldstein, Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn
Gov. Paterson enacts a statewide moratorium on eminent domain.
The Feds indict Bruce Ratner.
Cuomo commences a thorough investigation of the Empire State Development Corp.
The state legislature approves a bill removing "blight" as a justification for eminent domain.
Mikhail Prokhorov moves the Nets to Moscow, where they proceed to win a game.
Mayor Bloomberg comes to his senses and realizes that Atlantic Yards would be a huge stain on his legacy.
Brooklyn gets the kind of world-class development, at its crossroads, that it deserves.
Councilmember Letitia James
The Atlantic Yards project will continue to be challenged in the New Year, and I predict the courts will make the right decision to stand against eminent domain and big development in Brooklyn.
Nicole Gelinas, contributing editor, the Manhattan Institute's City Journal
The Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn will finally die.
That's not to say that the kinks in the bond deal--escrow until the delivery of property by condemnation--don't leave wiggle room for additional challange. But the advantage has to go to FCR, and it's surprising that no contributor--hey, where's Marty Markowitz?--pointed that out.
Excerpts from the article are below, with each individual's statements excerpted except for those from Daniel Goldstein.
If Atlantic Yards proceeds, one legacy may be tougher legislation on eminent domain.
State Senator Bill Perkins
I would like to see continuing types of reform we were able to pass this year like the public authorities reform bill.
I am looking forward to introducing legislation on eminent domain reform. I think there is a movement that has been galvanized around that issue.
Daniel Goldstein, Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn
Gov. Paterson enacts a statewide moratorium on eminent domain.
The Feds indict Bruce Ratner.
Cuomo commences a thorough investigation of the Empire State Development Corp.
The state legislature approves a bill removing "blight" as a justification for eminent domain.
Mikhail Prokhorov moves the Nets to Moscow, where they proceed to win a game.
Mayor Bloomberg comes to his senses and realizes that Atlantic Yards would be a huge stain on his legacy.
Brooklyn gets the kind of world-class development, at its crossroads, that it deserves.
Councilmember Letitia James
The Atlantic Yards project will continue to be challenged in the New Year, and I predict the courts will make the right decision to stand against eminent domain and big development in Brooklyn.
Nicole Gelinas, contributing editor, the Manhattan Institute's City Journal
The Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn will finally die.
I highly doubt that Mayor Bloomingdales will come to his senses - which assumes a lot - or that one more stain will make a difference to a 3-term legacy that consists chiefly of no trans-fats and no smoking. What is clear is that 98% of us would be better off with Daniel Goldstein as mayor.
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