Atlantic Yards Press Room

FCRC, the Nets, Senator Marty Golden and Former Nets Star Albert King Team up to Make Reading Fun, May 23, 2008
Senator Marty Golden teamed up with former Nets star Albert King to show kids that reading is fun. Senator Golden and King spoke to over 50 2^nd and 3^rd graders at P.S. 222 about the importance of reading and read “I’ll Teach My Dog 100 Words” by Michael Frith as part of Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) and the Nets’ ‘Read to Achieve’ program.

FCRC, Assemblyman Karim Camara and Former Nets Star Albert King Team up to Show Brooklyn Kids the Joy of Reading, May 16, 2008
Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) and State Assemblyman Karim Camara teamed up today with former Nets star Albert King and Nets mascot Sly to bring the ‘Read to Achieve’ program to P.S. 397, in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. King and Assemblyman Camara read to more than 50 students and spoke to them about the significance of education. The featured book was I Will Teach My Dog 100 Words by Michael Frith.

Showroom Opens for Sales of Sponsorships, Suites, and Premium Tickets for Barclays Center in Brooklyn, May 15, 2008
Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment (BSE), an affiliate of Nets Sports and Entertainment, LLC, today officially opened the dynamic, state-of-the-art Barclays Center Showroom on the 38th floor of The New York Times Building, 620 8th Avenue, for sales of sponsorships and luxury suites for the Frank Gehry-designed Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Premium season tickets for Nets games will also be available for purchase at the Showroom at a date to be determined.

FCRC, The Nets, Councilman Lew Fidler and Former Nets Star Albert King Team up to Motivate Students to Read, May 15, 2008
Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) and City Councilman Lew Fidler joined former Nets star Albert King to show local youth the importance of reading. King read to over 50 students at P.S. 207 and, along with Councilman Fidler, spoke about the joy and knowledge that comes from reading and also emphasized the value of a good education.

Forest City Unveils Frank Gehry’s New Atlantic Yards Designs, May 5, 2008
Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) today released the latest images of the Frank Gehry-designed Atlantic Yards development in Brooklyn. FCRC also affirmed its commitment to build the entire project including more than 2,250 units of affordable housing for low- and middle-income New Yorkers.

Former Nets Star Darryl Dawkins Hosts FCRC's Clinic for Developmentally Disabled Adults, April 26-27, 2008
Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) and the Nets are sponsoring two clinics with PSCH, which offers housing to developmentally disabled adults in New York and New Jersey. Nets great Darryl Dawkins will shoot hoops with, and offer tips to members of PSCH’s community. The clinics will take place at the Nets practice facility in East Rutherford, NJ on April 26th & 27th, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm both days.

Former Nets Start Albert King Coaches Local Brooklyn Kids on Basketball and Life, April 11, 2008
On Friday April 11^th, Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) hosted a free Nets basketball clinic at IS 258 in Bedford - Stuyvesant. Basketball City instructed the children over the course of the program. The children participated in drills designed to teach them how to shoot, dribble and pass. More importantly the kids were taught the importance of good sportsmanship.

FCRC, Assemblyman Lentol and Nets Players Josh Boone, Marcus Williams and Sean Williams Team up to Make Reading Fun for Brooklyn Kids, April 7, 2008
FCRC and Brooklyn State Assemblyman Joe Lentol teamed up today with Nets players Josh Boone, Marcus Williams and Sean Williams and Nets mascot Sly to bring the ‘Read to Achieve’ program to P.S. 157, the Benjamin Franklin School in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. This is the second year in a row that the Nets and FCRC have brought this important educational program to Brooklyn.

FCRC and Brooklyn Philharmonic Announce First Ever Student Chamber Ensemble Competition, April 5, 2008
On Saturday, student ensembles from across the city will gather to showcase their talents at the first-ever Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) and Brooklyn Philharmonic Student Chamber Ensemble Competition at Bishop Loughlin High School. Student ensembles from public, private and parochial schools from across the city will compete in Middle School Ensembles, High School Intermediate Ensembles or High School Advanced Ensembles categories, performing many different genres of music.

Forest City Ratner Statement on Victory in Federal Eminent Domain Case, February 1, 2008
Bruce Ratner, the CEO and Chairman of Forest City Ratner Companies, today applauded the United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, affirmation of the District Court's decision in a case brought by opponents of the Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn on the grounds that the use of eminent domain violates the Public Use Clause of the Fifth Amendment. The District Court had decided against the plaintiffs in the case.

Jammin' Jumpers Head Coach Ruth Payne to Lead Double Dutch Coaches' Clinic, Sponsored by Forest City Ratner Companies, January 26, 2008
Ruth Payne, head coach of the nationally recognized Jammin’ Jumpers Double Dutch jump-roping team, will help the community jump into action at the Families United’s “Celebrate Double Dutch” Coaches’ Clinic January 26 at St. Peter Claver Gym (3 Jefferson Ave. between Claver Place and Franklin Ave.) in Brooklyn. The clinic will teach basic coaching techniques of the popular jump rope youth sport and will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Forest City Ratner Companies and the Nets Host Freee Basketball Clinic for Over 100 Brooklyn Youth, January 26, 2008
On Saturday, January 26^th Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) will sponsor a free Nets basketball clinic at the Boys and Girls High School located at 1400 Fulton Street in Bedford Stuyvesant. Basketball City will coordinate instruction and game play at the clinic which will feature skill-building drills, exercises, games, and giveaways. Over 100 children between the ages of 8 and 14 will participate in the program, beginning at 9 am and ending with lunch at 1 pm. Special guest coach, former Nets star, Darryl Dawkins will provide professional advice for the players.

Forest City Ratner Statement Regarding Second Court Victory in Less Than a Week, January 16, 2008
Bruce Bender, executive vice president of government and public affairs at Forest City Ratner Companies, issued the following statement in regard to today’s New York State Appellate Division’s decision to deny a motion for an appeal brought by project opponents over the State’s use of eminent domain.

Forest City Ratner Statement on State Supreme Court Ruling on Atlantic Yards Public Approvals, January 11, 2008
Bruce Ratner, CEO and Chairman of Forest City Ratner Companies, issued the following statement today regarding the State Supreme Court ruling on a lawsuit brought by opponents of the Atlantic Yards challenging the public approvals of the project. “We are very pleased with Judge Madden’s decision, as it further clears the way for Atlantic Yards and the thousands of jobs, affordable housing units and world-class arena - the Barclays Center – that will accompany the project,” Mr. Ratner said. “After an exhaustive three-year review process, we are continuing to move full speed ahead on the project, and today’s decision is a significant step forward.”

Nets Basketball Clinic a Slam Dunk in Brooklyn, December 10, 2007
Boys and girls from around East New York were treated to some professional basketball tips from former NBA Nets star Albert King at a free basketball clinic in Brooklyn yesterday sponsored by Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) and the Nets. Approximately 100 young budding basketball stars between the ages of 8 and 14 attended the clinic held at Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn.

ESDC Hires Atlantic Yards Ombudsperson, November 27, 2007
ESDC furthers commitment to increased oversight and information flow.

Barclays, Forest Cty Ratner and the Nets Announce New Community Alliance to Support Local Organizations, November 16, 2007
Barclays, Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) and the Nets basketball team today announced the creation of the Barclays/Nets Community Alliance, a new organization committed to the physical and educational development of youth in Brooklyn and surrounding communities.

Forest City Ratner Companies Serves Thanksgiving Dinner to Those in Need, November 16, 2007
Former Nets basketball stars Albert King and Darryl Dawkins joined volunteers from Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC), U.S. Representative Edolphus Towns, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and the Brooklyn community today to serve a special Thanksgiving dinner to those in need at the Union Baptist Church in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

The New Kings of Kings County to be Crowned on Championship Day, November 2, 2007
Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) and the Nets today launched the third Semi-Annual Borough-Wide Basketball Tournament, with the first games today being played at St. Peter Claver Church in Bedford-Stuyvesant and at St. Vincent Ferrer in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Games will run through Championship Day on Sunday, November 18th, with games played Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during all weekends of the tournament. Hundreds of boys, ranging from 11 to 13 years old, are expected to play. Entry to the pool play tournament is free for all participants.

Forest City Ratner Companies and the Nets Present "Josh Boone Basketball Clinic" August 27-31, 2007
FCRC and the Nets present the “Josh Boone Basketball Clinic,” August 27-31, at St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights. Boone and the seasoned coaches from Basketball City will help the kids hone their hoops skills with drills and games. Prizes and giveaways are being provided by KeySpan. The camp is free for Brooklyn kids, ages 8 to 14, and features five different sessions for kids to choose from.

Forest City Ratner Companies Sends Brooklyn Kids to Camp, August 6, 2007
Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) is sending Brooklyn children to YMCA Camp Bernie in Port Murray, New Jersey, to get an "environmental education." FCRC, along with its Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) partner Brooklyn Endeavor Experience, Inc. (BEE), have teamed up with Summer Camp Opportunities Provide an Edge, Inc. (SCOPE), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping children, to create a unique two-week camp experience for 20 Brooklyn youths. FCRC is helping to underwrite the program with a $10,000 donation to SCOPE.

Forest City Ratner to Begin Demolition of Ward Bread Bakery, March 22, 2007
Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC), the developer of the Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn, today announced that abatement and demolition of 800 Pacific Street (also known as the Ward Bread Bakery building) will begin on Monday, March 26, 2007. As part of its sustainability efforts and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification process, at least 75 percent of the demolition debris is expected to be recycled.

Nets "Bringing It to Brooklyn" Clinics and Brooklyn Borough Challenge Announced, March 8, 2007
Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) today announced that it is extending its free Nets basketball clinic series in Brooklyn and added an all–Brooklyn tournament in June. Each month for the next five months, FCRC and the Nets will be offering two free “Bringing It to Brooklyn” basketball clinics per month to elementary and junior high school students throughout Brooklyn. The clinics will culminate with an all-borough 1,000-kid tournament in June, featuring some of the next basketball stars of Brooklyn .

12 Structures to Be Razed as Part of Atlantic Yards Prep Work, March 1, 2007
Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) today announced that phase one of Atlantic Yards construction will proceed next week with the demolition of 12 buildings owned by FCRC. Demolition will continue at 179 Flatbush Avenue, and abatement of an additional 12 buildings will begin as part of the preparatory work to demolish those buildings. Demolition of the 12 structures will be handled by minority-owned firms.

Forest City Ratner Sponsors Free Nets Basketball Clinic, February 21, 2007
On February 21, FCRC hosted a free Nets basketball clinic at the Ridgewood/Bushwick Youth Center in Brooklyn. Bruce Ratner, president and CEO of FCRC, said, “Forest City is committed to supporting sports and athletics at all levels throughout Brooklyn. Nets basketball clinics emphasize the importance of teamwork, dedication and hard work–skills that are crucial for success, on and off the court.” Guests included former Net Darryl "Chocolate Thunder" Dawkins and New York State Assemblyman Vito Lopez.

Preliminary Work to Begin on Atlantic Yards Development, February 20, 2007
Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) today announced that prep work and construction of a temporary rail yard on the east side of the Vanderbilt Rail Yard is expected to begin today, Tuesday, February 20.

Nets Drumline Selected by NBA
to Perform at NBA All-Star 2007 Festivities in Las Vegas, February 16-18
The Nets Drumline has been selected by the NBA to perform during NBA All-Star 2007 events in Las Vegas from Friday, February 16, through Sunday, February 18. The musicians are members of the Brooklyn Music and Arts Program; FCRC will donate $10,000 to the program.
See the Drumline in action.

Over 20,000 Brooklynites Reply to Atlantic Yards Mailer, June 14, 2006
In the middle of May, FCRC sent a mailer to many residents across the borough. To date, approximately 20,000 people have responded–the vast majority emphasizing that the creation of new affordable housing is the most important part of the project to them. Anyone who wants to join the list to receive more information about affordable housing at Atlantic Yards, please email us at housing@atlanticyards.com.

New Gehry and Olin Images of Atlantic Yards, May 11, 2006
Architect Frank Gehry and landscape architect Laurie Olin hosted a press conference to discuss the design themes and ongoing design process of Atlantic Yards. They shared new images of the project and spoke with members of the press about their vision for Atlantic Yards. You can read press coverage here, and don’t forget to visit the Atlantic Yards Image Gallery to see pictures of the newest designs.

Forest City Begins Demolition of Hazardous Buildings, March 8, 2006
FCRC announced that demolition of the Underberg Building (608-620 Atlantic Avenue) will begin on March 8, 2006. This is the first of six buildings that have been determined to be a hazard to the local community due to their dilapidated state. Fact sheet and photos attached.

Nets "Read to Achieve" in Brooklyn, March 2, 2006
Nets players Lamond Murray and Antoine Wright spent the afternoon reading to Brooklyn public school students as part of the NBA’s "Read to Achieve" campaign, a program dedicated to helping young people develop a lifelong love of reading.

Brooklyn Salvation Army Toy Drive, December 19, 2005
When the Salvation Army needed extra help providing gifts to families in need this holiday season, FCRC and the Nets stepped in and donated over $15,000 worth of toys, helping to make the holidays special for many more children across Brooklyn.

Demolition of Hazardous Buildings, December 16, 2005
In order to ensure community health and safety, FCRC announced that it would begin asbestos abatement and demolition at six buildings it recently acquired and which were found to be structurally unsound by engineers. Photos attached.

Thanksgiving Food Drive, November 16, 2005
Nets players and coaches teamed up to help the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn provide meals to families in need during Thanksgiving.