**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
JUNE 18, 2013
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Secures Additional Affordable Housing for BAM South Project
BPL Pacific Branch Spared from Sale, Demolition
(New York, NY)— On June 17, 2013, Council Member Letitia James voted to approve the development of BAM South, the planned 32-story tower next to the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) being developed by Two Trees Management Company. The project was approved by a New York City Council.
In addition to the BAM South site, the City holds two additional sites in the Cultural District. The three development sites are expected to include approximately 900 apartments. Upon completion, 30% of two residential buildings will consist of affordable housing— an increase from the traditional 80/20 housing structure. BAM South, which represents a $135 million investment, will consist of a 32-story building containing approximately 300 residential units.
When completed, BAM South will also include a new public library, an extension of BAM’s cinema, and multiple performance spaces for cultural organizations. Additionally, the project will create a 16,000 square-foot publicly accessible plaza along Lafayette Avenue, and 22,800 square feet of ground floor retail and commercial space.
In a separate agreement with the administration, the Brooklyn Public Library’s Pacific Street branch was spared from sale to a private developer. The administration has committed to working with elected officials and community stakeholders to formulate a plan for service through an open process. A potential future change regarding the status of the library would require City Council approval. Additionally, Two Trees committed to including union workers in their construction bidding process
“I am pleased to again offer my support to BAM South, a project which will offer significant affordable housing to the Fort Greene community," said Council Member Letitia James. "I have always supported Two Trees’ vision for the project, and I believe it was important to ensure the project included significant community benefits such as increased affordable housing, maintaining the Pacific Street library, a commitment that cultural organizations utilizing the space will reflect the diversity of this community, and assurance that future utilization of the open space includes the input of all stakeholders.”
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Showing posts with label development. Show all posts
Showing posts with label development. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
A Message from Council Member Letitia James: Regarding BAM South
“Affordable housing and good-paying jobs for our community remain my top priorities as deliberations on the BAM South project continue. I remain concerned about the closure of a nearby historic library, and feel strongly that the project must address this unfortunate loss of public and community space.
Contrary to certain reports, I’ve never backed down from supporting the vision of BAM South, but I believe the project must deliver additional affordable housing units and jobs that middle-class and working-class New Yorkers can live with. These are not new demands, though they have received particular notice as the project vote draws near.
I feel strongly that all developments in the 35th District should seek to meet the unique needs of our diverse, growing community, and I believe that this project when finalized will do so.”
- Council Member Letitia James
Contrary to certain reports, I’ve never backed down from supporting the vision of BAM South, but I believe the project must deliver additional affordable housing units and jobs that middle-class and working-class New Yorkers can live with. These are not new demands, though they have received particular notice as the project vote draws near.
I feel strongly that all developments in the 35th District should seek to meet the unique needs of our diverse, growing community, and I believe that this project when finalized will do so.”
- Council Member Letitia James
Friday, February 8, 2013
CM James Comments on the Proposed Closure of Long Island College Hospital
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
FEBRUARY 7, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Comments on the Proposed Closure of Long Island College Hospital
Interfaith Medical Center Hospital Announced Emergency Plans to Declare Bankruptcy In December
(New York, NY)— The State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center is set to propose the closure of Long Island College Hospital (LICH) in an effort to fund the network, which reportedly lost over $200 million in 2012, following a $276 million loss in 2011.
With the potential closure of Interfaith Medical Center, which serves the Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant communities, it is a particularly precarious time for LICH to have to close its doors.
On February 8, 2013, employees of LICH and Interfaith Medical Center plan to hold a joint press conference to discuss the proposed closures. Employees of both hospitals have criticized SUNY, and have suggested that the proposed closures will facilitate the transition to for-profit healthcare in Brooklyn, citing “an experimental ‘pilot program’ in the governor’s draft budget that would allow private investors to create a for-profit hospital in Brooklyn.”
“Long Island College Hospital is vital to the Downtown Brooklyn community, which it has served for over 150 years,” said Council Member Letitia James. “There is no justification for closing hospitals, instead of providing them with the resources they need to be successful. These proposed shutdowns are deeply upsetting and should concern all Brooklyn residents.”
Long Island College Hospital recently merged with Downstate, after formerly being owned by Continuum Health Partners. The Board of Trustees of SUNY is expected to propose at its meeting this Friday that the hospital be closed. By law, there has to be a Public Meeting and Hearing to begin the process. The hearing will take place today, Thursday, February 7th, from 3:00-5:00 P.M. at the Auditorium of the College of Optometry, 33 West 42nd Street in Manhattan. According to media reports, SUNY plans to sell the property to residential developers likely to create luxury condos.
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Council Member Letitia James’ Statement on Interfaith Medical Center: http://teamtish.blogspot.com/2012/12/cm-james-comments-on-interfaith-medical.html
FEBRUARY 7, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Comments on the Proposed Closure of Long Island College Hospital
Interfaith Medical Center Hospital Announced Emergency Plans to Declare Bankruptcy In December
(New York, NY)— The State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center is set to propose the closure of Long Island College Hospital (LICH) in an effort to fund the network, which reportedly lost over $200 million in 2012, following a $276 million loss in 2011.
With the potential closure of Interfaith Medical Center, which serves the Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant communities, it is a particularly precarious time for LICH to have to close its doors.
On February 8, 2013, employees of LICH and Interfaith Medical Center plan to hold a joint press conference to discuss the proposed closures. Employees of both hospitals have criticized SUNY, and have suggested that the proposed closures will facilitate the transition to for-profit healthcare in Brooklyn, citing “an experimental ‘pilot program’ in the governor’s draft budget that would allow private investors to create a for-profit hospital in Brooklyn.”
“Long Island College Hospital is vital to the Downtown Brooklyn community, which it has served for over 150 years,” said Council Member Letitia James. “There is no justification for closing hospitals, instead of providing them with the resources they need to be successful. These proposed shutdowns are deeply upsetting and should concern all Brooklyn residents.”
Long Island College Hospital recently merged with Downstate, after formerly being owned by Continuum Health Partners. The Board of Trustees of SUNY is expected to propose at its meeting this Friday that the hospital be closed. By law, there has to be a Public Meeting and Hearing to begin the process. The hearing will take place today, Thursday, February 7th, from 3:00-5:00 P.M. at the Auditorium of the College of Optometry, 33 West 42nd Street in Manhattan. According to media reports, SUNY plans to sell the property to residential developers likely to create luxury condos.
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Council Member Letitia James’ Statement on Interfaith Medical Center: http://teamtish.blogspot.com/2012/12/cm-james-comments-on-interfaith-medical.html
Monday, January 28, 2013
CM James Questions AY Modular Development At City Council Oversight Hearing
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Questions AY Modular Development At City Council Oversight Hearing
(New York, NY)— On Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at a New York City Council Housing Committee Oversight Hearing, Council Member Letitia James joined her colleagues, union-aligned contractors, and others in discussing modular building development. Modular or pre-fabricated construction refers to a building method in which building portions are constructed off-site (often in a factory). SHoP Architects have designed modular residential towers that should allow Atlantic Yards developer Forest City Ratner (FCR) to save considerable costs.
Council Member Letitia James, representing Brooklyn’s 35th Council District which houses Barclay’s Arena and the developing Atlantic Yards site, asserted that modular development has the risk of producing low-quality construction. For a comprehensive construction such as Atlantic Yards—where the 32-story modular residential tower currently in development will stand as the nation’s largest modular development—this constitutes an experiment that may not stand the test of time.
Recent media reports have stated that the steel panels that line Barclays Arena “have occasionally dripped rusty orange blossoms onto the sidewalk,” noting that “iron workers have replaced hundreds of bolts that anchor the panels to the building’s structure. Engineers determined that weaker ones were originally installed, raising concerns about the structure’s integrity.”
Representatives of the city’s Department of Buildings and FCR testified at the hearing that there were considerable benefits to high-rise modular construction, while union representatives argued that prefabricated (off-site) construction could permit the developer to work without the supervision of licensed plumbers, electricians, and other experts.
“I am deeply concerned that we are compromising safety for the bottom line,” said Council Member Letitia James.
-- Epoch Times: Prefab High Rises: Future of Construction or Imminent Failure? (http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/united-states/prefab-high-rises-future-of-construction-or-imminent-failure-338875.html)
Atlantic Yards Report: At Council hearing, Department of Buildings slammed for allowing Forest City to build modular without licensed trades; did developer get city to bend rules? (http://atlanticyardsreport.blogspot.com/2013/01/at-council-hearing-department-of.html)
Council Member Letitia James Questions AY Modular Development At City Council Oversight Hearing
(New York, NY)— On Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at a New York City Council Housing Committee Oversight Hearing, Council Member Letitia James joined her colleagues, union-aligned contractors, and others in discussing modular building development. Modular or pre-fabricated construction refers to a building method in which building portions are constructed off-site (often in a factory). SHoP Architects have designed modular residential towers that should allow Atlantic Yards developer Forest City Ratner (FCR) to save considerable costs.
Council Member Letitia James, representing Brooklyn’s 35th Council District which houses Barclay’s Arena and the developing Atlantic Yards site, asserted that modular development has the risk of producing low-quality construction. For a comprehensive construction such as Atlantic Yards—where the 32-story modular residential tower currently in development will stand as the nation’s largest modular development—this constitutes an experiment that may not stand the test of time.
Recent media reports have stated that the steel panels that line Barclays Arena “have occasionally dripped rusty orange blossoms onto the sidewalk,” noting that “iron workers have replaced hundreds of bolts that anchor the panels to the building’s structure. Engineers determined that weaker ones were originally installed, raising concerns about the structure’s integrity.”
Representatives of the city’s Department of Buildings and FCR testified at the hearing that there were considerable benefits to high-rise modular construction, while union representatives argued that prefabricated (off-site) construction could permit the developer to work without the supervision of licensed plumbers, electricians, and other experts.
“I am deeply concerned that we are compromising safety for the bottom line,” said Council Member Letitia James.
-- Epoch Times: Prefab High Rises: Future of Construction or Imminent Failure? (http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/united-states/prefab-high-rises-future-of-construction-or-imminent-failure-338875.html)
Atlantic Yards Report: At Council hearing, Department of Buildings slammed for allowing Forest City to build modular without licensed trades; did developer get city to bend rules? (http://atlanticyardsreport.blogspot.com/2013/01/at-council-hearing-department-of.html)
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
ATTENTION: Fulton Street Vision Plan Released, Includes Ideas for Enhancing Fulton St. Commercial Strip
The Fulton Area Business District (FAB Alliance) has released the FULTON STREET VISION PLAN online. The Plan includes ideas and concepts for enhancing the public spaces of the Fulton Street commercial corridor in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Comments and ideas may be submitted through completion of the Community Input Survey. Please see more here: http://faballiance.org/news/draft-vision-plan-online
Friday, December 7, 2012
ATTENTION: Putnam Court Affordable Housing Application
Putnam Court is an affordable housing development being built in Clinton Hill by Dunn Development (the developer of the Navy Green projects). There are 24 studio apartments with a rent of $613, for those making an annual income between $22,068 and $29,050. The application is available here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/114787981/Putnam-Court-Application-Final. An additional 34 apartments will house those in need of supportive housing. The application must be postmarked by January 15, 2013.
More information on the project is available here: http://www.dunndev.com/L3/putnam.html
More information on the project is available here: http://www.dunndev.com/L3/putnam.html
Monday, September 24, 2012
ATTENTION: CM James, DDDB Discuss AY/ Barclay's on ABC 7
Council Member Letitia James and Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn's Candace Carponter speak with ABC 7's Diana Williams on Atlantic Yard/ Barclay's Center development.
Link: http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/video?id=8821316
Friday, September 14, 2012
UPDATE: FAMILY LOCATED- CM James Calls on Relatives of Winston Gillett to Come Forward
UPDATE: Since this press release was sent, Mr. Gillett's family has been located and notified of his passing. We thank the media for their assistance in bringing closure during this difficult time.
--
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
SEPTEMBER 11, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES CALLS ON RELATIVES OF WINSTON GILLETT TO COME FORWARD
Mr. Gillett Was A Construction Worker Killed in A Fort Greene Roof Collapse
(Brooklyn, NY)— Yesterday, a four-story building’s roof collapsed at the Fort Greene site of the developing Carlton Mews Townhouses at 227 Carlton Avenue. The roof collapse took the life of Mr. Winston Gillett, 67, a construction worker with TTNJ Community-Based Organization. Another worker, Mr. Clayton LaBoard, 43, remains hospitalized and in critical condition.
At this time, no relatives of Mr. Gillett have come forward. The Jamaican Consulate General has been contacted to assist in the search for family members. Mr. Gillett’s last known address was on Irving Avenue in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn.
“I urge anyone who recognizes Mr. Gillett to come forward so that we can provide closure to his family at this tragic time.” said Council Member Letitia James.
Any individual who recognizes Mr. Gillett, and is in contact with his relatives, should reach out to the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081 immediately.
###
--
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
SEPTEMBER 11, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES CALLS ON RELATIVES OF WINSTON GILLETT TO COME FORWARD
Mr. Gillett Was A Construction Worker Killed in A Fort Greene Roof Collapse
(Brooklyn, NY)— Yesterday, a four-story building’s roof collapsed at the Fort Greene site of the developing Carlton Mews Townhouses at 227 Carlton Avenue. The roof collapse took the life of Mr. Winston Gillett, 67, a construction worker with TTNJ Community-Based Organization. Another worker, Mr. Clayton LaBoard, 43, remains hospitalized and in critical condition.
At this time, no relatives of Mr. Gillett have come forward. The Jamaican Consulate General has been contacted to assist in the search for family members. Mr. Gillett’s last known address was on Irving Avenue in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn.
“I urge anyone who recognizes Mr. Gillett to come forward so that we can provide closure to his family at this tragic time.” said Council Member Letitia James.
Any individual who recognizes Mr. Gillett, and is in contact with his relatives, should reach out to the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081 immediately.
###
Monday, September 10, 2012
ATTENTION: CM James Comments on Collapse of FG Townhouse Roof
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
SEPTEMBER 10, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON COLLAPSE OF FORT GREENE TOWNHOUSE ROOF
CALLS ON FURTHER OVERSIGHT AND PRECAUTION AT CONSTRUCTION SITES
(Brooklyn, NY)— On Monday, September 10, 2012, a four-story building’s roof collapsed at the site of the developing Carlton Mew Townhouses at 227 Carlton Avenue. The roof collapse, which took place at around 9:15AM, severely injured two construction workers—one who was pronounced deceased at Brooklyn Hospital. Additionally, two other workers were busy on the roof at the time of the collapse.
The development at both 225 and 227 Carlton held Department of Building (DOB) permits for proposed two-family homes. A representative of the DOB clarified that there were no open complaints or violations on the development (although some media reports state the site has at least 1 violation). However, the New York Times reported that a neighbor recently called 311 to complain about excessive vibrations coming from the construction site; but they did not file a formal complaint with the City. Various media reports echo poor construction at the development site.
The Times also reports that other neighbors say they had noticed structural damage to their own homes since the construction started a few months ago.
“This tragic incident raises serious concerns about the safety practices at this construction site, and whether there was proper oversight of this construction by both the Department of Buildings and the developer,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I will be working closely with the Department to review the circumstances that led to this horrific incident. I believe this tragedy further underscores the need for greater safety precautions and worker safety training at major development sites throughout the City.”
The Carlton Mews Townhouses consist of five proposed townhouses along Carlton Avenue between Willoughby Avenue and Dekalb Avenue. The proposed completion date for the project was December 2012.
###
SEPTEMBER 10, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON COLLAPSE OF FORT GREENE TOWNHOUSE ROOF
CALLS ON FURTHER OVERSIGHT AND PRECAUTION AT CONSTRUCTION SITES
(Brooklyn, NY)— On Monday, September 10, 2012, a four-story building’s roof collapsed at the site of the developing Carlton Mew Townhouses at 227 Carlton Avenue. The roof collapse, which took place at around 9:15AM, severely injured two construction workers—one who was pronounced deceased at Brooklyn Hospital. Additionally, two other workers were busy on the roof at the time of the collapse.
The development at both 225 and 227 Carlton held Department of Building (DOB) permits for proposed two-family homes. A representative of the DOB clarified that there were no open complaints or violations on the development (although some media reports state the site has at least 1 violation). However, the New York Times reported that a neighbor recently called 311 to complain about excessive vibrations coming from the construction site; but they did not file a formal complaint with the City. Various media reports echo poor construction at the development site.
The Times also reports that other neighbors say they had noticed structural damage to their own homes since the construction started a few months ago.
“This tragic incident raises serious concerns about the safety practices at this construction site, and whether there was proper oversight of this construction by both the Department of Buildings and the developer,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I will be working closely with the Department to review the circumstances that led to this horrific incident. I believe this tragedy further underscores the need for greater safety precautions and worker safety training at major development sites throughout the City.”
The Carlton Mews Townhouses consist of five proposed townhouses along Carlton Avenue between Willoughby Avenue and Dekalb Avenue. The proposed completion date for the project was December 2012.
###
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
ATTENTION: Barclays Area Community Safety Meeting; 8/22
With the upcoming opening of Barclay Arena, and various Community Safety Concerns:
Please Join Council Member Letitia James and Captain Michael Ameri (of Brooklyn's 78th Precinct) to discuss and answer questions regarding the safety and quality of life concerns in residential communities after the September arena opening.
• NYPD’s 78th Precinct will be responsible for policing the arena as well as enforcement of traffic and parking rules, protection of pedestrian safety and regulation of public behavior within a one-half mile radius around the arena block.
When: August 22nd, 2012
Time: 6:00PM
Where: 78th Precinct, 65 6th Avenue Corner of Bergen Street (4th Floor Court Room)
Please Join Council Member Letitia James and Captain Michael Ameri (of Brooklyn's 78th Precinct) to discuss and answer questions regarding the safety and quality of life concerns in residential communities after the September arena opening.
• NYPD’s 78th Precinct will be responsible for policing the arena as well as enforcement of traffic and parking rules, protection of pedestrian safety and regulation of public behavior within a one-half mile radius around the arena block.
When: August 22nd, 2012
Time: 6:00PM
Where: 78th Precinct, 65 6th Avenue Corner of Bergen Street (4th Floor Court Room)
Monday, July 16, 2012
ATTENTION: HDC Public Hearing on AY Housing; 7/18
The New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) will be holding a TEFRA (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act) public hearing to provide information regarding the process of securing financing for a housing tower at Atlantic Yards.
The hearing will take place at the office of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) on July 18, 2012 in Conference Room 4A/B at 110 William Street, 4th Floor, at 1:00 p.m.
Interested members of the public are invited to attend, and individuals will have an opportunity to make brief statements. For more information, please contact (866) 923-5315.
This tower is projected to contain 363 rental apartments, of which 50% of these units will be affordable to low-, moderate-, and middle-income households.
The hearing will take place at the office of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) on July 18, 2012 in Conference Room 4A/B at 110 William Street, 4th Floor, at 1:00 p.m.
Interested members of the public are invited to attend, and individuals will have an opportunity to make brief statements. For more information, please contact (866) 923-5315.
This tower is projected to contain 363 rental apartments, of which 50% of these units will be affordable to low-, moderate-, and middle-income households.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Committee for Arena Justice Call for Fulfillment of FCR Promises; 6/10
The Committee for Arena Justice (a coalition of community religious leaders) is demanding stronger oversight and the housing and (union/ living wage) jobs promised by Forest City Ratner for Barclays.
WHEN: Sunday, June 10, 2012
3:00PM
WHERE: corner of Atlantic Avenue and South Portland.
For more information, please contact (917) 532-4121.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
ATTENTION: Submit Comments Regarding Barclay's Transportation Demand Management Plan
Downtown Brooklyn residents have until Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at midnight to submit comments and questions on FCR's draft Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan to AtlanticYards@esd.ny.gov. The NYS Empire State Development Corporation will compile responses to questions, and post the final TDM Plan along with responses to all questions by the end of July.
The goals of the TDM are to reduce vehicular traffic to the arena and minimize the effects of the traffic that is generated by the facility (although many local elected officials and community representatives favor the more comprehensive “Neighborhood Protection Plan” which calls for measures that include the institution of residential parking permits, increased garbage can placement, and an early cutoff for alcohol sales).
Please see more information here: http://esd.ny.gov/subsidiaries_projects/ayp.html
The goals of the TDM are to reduce vehicular traffic to the arena and minimize the effects of the traffic that is generated by the facility (although many local elected officials and community representatives favor the more comprehensive “Neighborhood Protection Plan” which calls for measures that include the institution of residential parking permits, increased garbage can placement, and an early cutoff for alcohol sales).
Please see more information here: http://esd.ny.gov/subsidiaries_projects/ayp.html
Monday, June 4, 2012
ATTENTION: CM James and PACC Host Community Meeting On Myrtle Village Green; TODAY 6/4; Pratt Center; 6PM
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
CMs James, Levin, & State Sen. Montgomery Release Neighborhood Protection Plan for Barclays
On May 29, 2012, Council Members Letitia James and Steve Levin, along with NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery and community leaders, released a Neighborhood Protection Plan addressing Barclays Center traffic management methods, as well as (long.standing.) quality of life concerns.
NPP FINAL
The plan calls for measures that include the institution of residential parking permits, increased garbage can placement, and an early cutoff for alcohol sales. It also institutes an additional charge for parking, similar to the system at Newark's Prudential Center. And it would designate policing of the arena area to the 78th Precinct.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
ATTENTION: SLA Public Hearing On Barclay's Liquor License; 6/12 & 6/20
The New York State Liquor Authority has scheduled their public hearing on the Barclays Center liquor license application for 11:00AM on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 AND 7:00PM on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
at 317 Lenox Avenue, 4th floor, New York, NY.
The hearing notice may be viewed here. Brooklyn Community Board 6 (representing the Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, Gowanus, and Red Hook areas) recently voted to support the Barclay's Liquor License.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn Speaks has created a public petition directed towards New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and State Liquor Authority Chairman Dennis Rosen to demand public accountability for Barclay's Center alcohol sales, something Council Member James has long called-on.
The hearing notice may be viewed here. Brooklyn Community Board 6 (representing the Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, Gowanus, and Red Hook areas) recently voted to support the Barclay's Liquor License.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn Speaks has created a public petition directed towards New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and State Liquor Authority Chairman Dennis Rosen to demand public accountability for Barclay's Center alcohol sales, something Council Member James has long called-on.
Monday, May 21, 2012
ATTENTION: Town Hall Meeting on Tenants' Rights and Housing Affordability; 5/23; 6PM; Lafayette Presbyterian
(click picture to expand flyer)
For more information, please contact Juanita Edwards at Pratt Area Community Council at (718) 522-2613 ext. 024.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
ATTENTION: ESDC and Community Boards Review Barclays Arena Transportation Plan At Hearing; 5/22; BK Boro Hall
The NYS Empire State Development Corporation and Brooklyn Community Boards 2, 6, & 8 will be holding a joint meeting on
the Barclay's Center
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan. The proposal aims to reduce vehicular traffic to the arena and minimize the effects
of the cars. Representatives of the developer will make a presentation and answer questions from the public.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 22, 2012
6:00PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 JORALEMON STREET
Brooklyn, NY
For more information contact: Arana Hankin at AtlanticYards@esd.ny.gov.
See NYT-Local's coverage here. Council Member Letitia James co-sponsored a Downtown Brooklyn Community Transportation Workshop that explored transportation issues with the up-coming arena in March 2012.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 22, 2012
6:00PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 JORALEMON STREET
Brooklyn, NY
For more information contact: Arana Hankin at AtlanticYards@esd.ny.gov.
See NYT-Local's coverage here. Council Member Letitia James co-sponsored a Downtown Brooklyn Community Transportation Workshop that explored transportation issues with the up-coming arena in March 2012.
Monday, May 7, 2012
ATTENTION: BK Speaks Petition On Barclay's Alcohol Sales
The petition states that Barclays’ license must be limited to serving drinks during ticketed arena events only, and must mandate an end to liquor sales after half time at an NBA game, 45 minutes before the end of an event, or at 10:00PM—whichever comes first. In comparison, Chicago's Wrigley Field is allowed to host only 30 evening events a year, liquor sales must end no later than 9:30PM, and any changes to that policy have to be approved by the Chicago City Council.
Please support accountability on the part of Barclay's, and fair liquor service that considers public safety. The petition is available here: http://brooklynspeaks.net/limit-alcohol-at-barclays-center
Friday, April 13, 2012
CM James Comments On Appellate Courts Findings Regarding Atlantic Yards Project, Phase II
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 12, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Comments On Appellate Courts Findings Regarding Atlantic Yards Project, Phase II
(New York, NY)— On April 12, 2012, a New York State Appellate Court found— in a unanimous decision— that the state must conduct a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) regarding the second phase of the 2009 Atlantic Yards plan, as well as re-approve the second phase of the project. The case, Matter of Develop Don't Destroy (Brooklyn), Inc. vs. Empire State Dev. Corp., was led by Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn and Brooklyn Speaks. Today's finding upheld a lower court's decision to require the Empire State Development Corp. (ESDC) to conduct an SEIS.
The goal of an SEIS is to examine new or additional environmental impacts related to development, furthering the findings in the initial Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Through re-evaluating Phase II of the Atlantic Yards project, significant impacts will likely be found. The court’s findings state that the ESDC failed to consider changes in the project schedule, which would almost certainly place development beyond the 10-year construction estimate. Furthermore, the court found that developer Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) “failed to show that [they] had the financial ability to complete the project in 10 years.”
“It seems clear to me that if the facts regarding the impact of the development had been accurately presented two years ago, the resulting decision would’ve halted construction,” said Council Member Letitia James. “We can be almost certain at this point that the jobs and affordable housing originally promised will not come to fruition anytime soon, and instead Prospect Heights and surrounding residents will have to live with vacant lots and construction for years to come.”
The ESDC waited nine months to take action after the findings of the lower court, during which time issues related to impacts of the surface parking lot (planned for Block 1129) could have been addressed in an SEIS. FCRC has yet to release a plan for the lot.
###
April 12, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Comments On Appellate Courts Findings Regarding Atlantic Yards Project, Phase II
(New York, NY)— On April 12, 2012, a New York State Appellate Court found— in a unanimous decision— that the state must conduct a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) regarding the second phase of the 2009 Atlantic Yards plan, as well as re-approve the second phase of the project. The case, Matter of Develop Don't Destroy (Brooklyn), Inc. vs. Empire State Dev. Corp., was led by Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn and Brooklyn Speaks. Today's finding upheld a lower court's decision to require the Empire State Development Corp. (ESDC) to conduct an SEIS.
The goal of an SEIS is to examine new or additional environmental impacts related to development, furthering the findings in the initial Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Through re-evaluating Phase II of the Atlantic Yards project, significant impacts will likely be found. The court’s findings state that the ESDC failed to consider changes in the project schedule, which would almost certainly place development beyond the 10-year construction estimate. Furthermore, the court found that developer Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) “failed to show that [they] had the financial ability to complete the project in 10 years.”
“It seems clear to me that if the facts regarding the impact of the development had been accurately presented two years ago, the resulting decision would’ve halted construction,” said Council Member Letitia James. “We can be almost certain at this point that the jobs and affordable housing originally promised will not come to fruition anytime soon, and instead Prospect Heights and surrounding residents will have to live with vacant lots and construction for years to come.”
The ESDC waited nine months to take action after the findings of the lower court, during which time issues related to impacts of the surface parking lot (planned for Block 1129) could have been addressed in an SEIS. FCRC has yet to release a plan for the lot.
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