So, when will Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for Atlantic Yards Phase 2 be issued? ESDC says there's no timetable

There was no discussion at the bimonthly Atlantic Yards Quality of Life meeting last night of a judge's decision to award attorneys' fees to two community coalitions that challenged the failure to study an extended Atlantic Yards timetable.

But there was a question about Justice Marcy Friedman's order that the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) issue a Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) regarding Phase 2 of the project.

It's been ten months (actually closer to nine) since the Draft Scope was issued for the SEIS, noted Gib Veconi of the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council. "When can we expect to see the Draft SEIS?" (That Draft SEIS would then generate a public hearing, with responses incorporated into a Final SEIS.)

"We're definitely working on it," responded Derek Lynch, ESDC's community and government relations manager for Atlantic Yards. "There were quite a few comments" in response, he said. (Here's a link to some written comments and the public hearing held last February.)

Veconi asked if there was a projected time.

Lynch said there's no timetable right now.

"Are you at all concerned the Draft Scope will become dated?" asked Veconi.

"No," said Lynch.

"Maybe you should be concerned," responded Veconi.

Since the Draft Scope was issued, it became clear that Forest City Ratner intends to build the entire project using modular construction, and the developer has also announced plans to seek new partners.