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The Times editorial goes on to suggest that it is essential that elected officials “ensure that the project — with adequate lower-income housing — survives hard times.” For our part, despite the changing economy, Forest City Ratner remains committed to delivering the entire project, including all of the 2,250 units of affordable housing. As it relates to construction, we began work on the site over a year ago, and thus far 50% of the structures on the site have been taken down. We have contracted over $42 million worth of work, with over 45% going to women- and minority-owned business. On the legal front, we had three key victories earlier this year, and in total we have had 18 court decisions in our favor. Significant progress is being made each day on the project, and Atlantic Yards and all of its affordable housing as well as thousands of jobs will be a reality for Brooklyn. We encourage you to reach out to your local elected officials and remind them of the importance of Atlantic Yards. The entire editorial is listed below or you can read it here at New York Times editorial.
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April 18, 2008
Editorial
Construction and Hard Times
With the recent exhumation of a Red Sox jersey from the site of the new Yankee Stadium, another sports arena will move forward jinx-free. If only the rest of New York City ’s grand development plans could get back on track so easily. Work is slowing, stalling or stopped altogether on too many of the projects we hoped would transform some of the bleakest sections of the city.
The faltering economy is a big factor, but there is also a lack of leadership. The leader of the Empire State Development Corporation quit along with Eliot Spitzer, the disgraced former governor.
A committee of marquee name business leaders that was formed to find a replacement has just begun its search, but it needs to act quickly. There are far too many important projects in need of the support and direction of a top-flight developer and negotiator.
Penn Station A grand plan to replace the grimy station with a glorious new Moynihan Station has unraveled since the owners of Madison Square Garden refused to move a block west. Instead, they plan to renovate the arena right where it is on top of Pennsylvania Station. Reviving an older plan for a Moynihan Station that doesn’t require the Garden to move might work, but somebody needs the clout to bring it all together.
Manhattan's West Side The plan for a high-rise business district has stalled as money has tightened. The starting point is still the No. 7 subway, which the city promised to fund. The price tag is growing by the day and is raising fears that state or federal money — also in short supply — will be needed. The trick will be to make this subway work in time for the next building cycle.
Calatrava’s PATH station The majestic birdlike structure at ground zero is taking far longer than projected — and the price keeps rising. The real issue is how to cut costs without damaging this architectural beauty.
Atlantic Yards The Nets arena appears to be moving ahead, but the centerpiece Miss Brooklyn building designed by Frank Gehry is likely to be delayed. A strong state hand could ensure that the project — with adequate lower-income housing — survives hard times.
Pier 40 A very promising proposal to turn the old pier on the Hudson River Park into a recreation and entertainment complex drew strong local opposition and has been shelved recently by park overseers. A new state development leader should help come up with a workable compromise.
Javits Convention Center An overly expensive proposal to transform the old behemoth has been scaled back to a minor expansion and some major repair work. That shouldn’t have to await a new development chief, but somebody needs to press the state to bring out the paint and ladders.
It is not all bad news — the World Trade Center site is finally moving ahead. That still leaves New York City with plenty of other signature developments that need attention and savvy leadership now.
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