The New York Observer put together a list of the 100 most powerful people in New York real estate. It’s an interesting list. Power and money was, obviously, their most important criteria:

The list, especially higher up, contains those who animate the deals
and the trends. They are the deciders and the money providers. They
make the real estate world the rest of us live in; or cover, as the
case may be.

Robert DeNiro, the great actor and Tribeca restauranteur, hotelier and booster, is on the list. So is Edward Egan, the Catholic Archbishop because of all the church property he oversees and Amanda Burden for her role as the Commissioner of the Department of City Planning.

Where does Bruce Ratner come in on the list? He’s number 8 just under Craig Newmark of Craig’s List.

Bruce Ratner: Chairman of Forest City Ratner Companies

The leader of what is perhaps New York’s most
high-profile development, the controversy magnet Atlantic Yards, Bruce
Ratner is one of the most active developers in the city, often pursuing
large, publicly administered projects. He’s recently taken a liking to
famous architects, ensuring that his developments leave a notable
impression on the skyline.