A July 13, 2011 New York Supreme Court ruling has brought further scrutiny to the unscrupulous nature of the Atlantic Yards project.
The court’s ruling declares that Forest City Ratner Companies’ Atlantic Yards plan assumes an unrealistic 10-year construction timeline. Consequently, the developer must submit a more accurate environmental impact statement followed by review proceedings on the statement, a possible public hearing and approval pursuant with the State Environmental Quality Review Act.[1]
The decision cites a December 2010 New York City government study finding it “unlikely that the [Atlantic Yards p]roject will be constructed on [the originally planned] 10-year schedule.” The study goes on to suggest that the completion date may be as late as 2035.[2]
The first phase of construction, including a basketball arena and three residential buildings, will not be halted because of “the extent to which construction of Phase I has already occurred.” Moreover, the second phase, thirteen residential buildings, was not stayed as construction is not likely to begin for years.[3]
Read coverage by The Wall Street Journal here.
[1] Develop Don’t Destroy (Brooklyn) Inc et al v. Empire State Development Corporation et al, Supreme Court of the State of New York County of New York, No. 114631/09.
[2] ibid.
[3] ibid.