Wondering What's Up with Atlantic Yards?

Subject: Wondering What's Up with Atlantic Yards?

Tomorrow will be the first-ever review of the project by the NYS Senate:

“Atlantic Yards: Where Are We Now, How Did We Get There, and Where is this Project Going?”, with testimony from a variety of people.

Date and Time:
May 29, 2009 1:00 PM

Location:
Higgins Hall, Pratt Institute
61 St. James Place
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(C or G train to Clinton/Washington)

Date and Time:
May 29, 2009 – 1:00 PM

WHO:
NYS Senator Bill Perkins, Chair of the Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions; Committee Members Martin Malavé Dilan, William J. Larkin Jr., Hiram Monserrate, Michael H. Ranzenhofer, Daniel L. Squadron; NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery


The following have been invited to testify, the agencies are expected to testify, but it is not yet known if Forest City Ratner will testify:
> Empire State Development Corporation CEO Marisa Lago.
> Metropolitan Transportation Authority Interim Chair and LIRR President Helena Williams.
> Forest City Ratner Corporation Chairman Bruce Ratner.
> NYC Economic Development Corporation President Seth Pinsky.
> NYC Department of Transportation.
> Other City and State Agencies and Officials.
> Environmental, Planning, Legal and Social Justice Witnesses.
> Members of Communities Impacted by the Proposed Project.


Purpose: This hearing will trace the history of the Atlantic Yards project to determine its current status. The Committee's intent is to examine the process by which decisions are made, to understand where the project is now, and to envision where this project might lead. Issues involved include but are not limited to whether this is the best possible deal for taxpayers and the local community; whether the use of eminent domain is necessary and is it being exercised responsibly; the meaning and use of the concept of "blight" in condemnations; what is a "public benefit" sufficient to justify massive state action; and what are the financials?