I just got an email from Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn that New York's high court ruled today against property owners and tenants challenged the state's use of eminent domain to seize their homes and businesses for the enrichment of developer Bruce Ratner and his Atlantic Yards project.
Indeed, it was a 6-1 decision in the Court of Appeals, where they ruled that the state agency's determination to take the plaintiffs property had a rational basis under state law.
TODAY AT 12:30 PM, the plantiffs, Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn, members of the community, attorneys and elected officials will hold a press conference about the ruling and the fight against Atlantic Yards.
The press conference will be held in front of Freddy's Bar in Brooklyn at 485 Dean Street at the corner of 6th Avenue in Prospect Heights.
Daniel Goldstein, lead plantiff and spokesman for DDDB is not deterred.
"The fight against the Atlantic Yards project is far from over. The community has four outstanding lawsuits against the project and, meanwhile, the arena bond financing clock ticks louder and louder for Ratner. While this is a terrible day for taxpaying homeowners in New York, this is not the end of our fight to keep the government from stealing our homes and businesses,” he is quoted as saying in the DDDB press release.
"Governor Paterson and Mayor Bloomberg now need to decide if they want their legacy to be the next New London—a dust bowl in the heart of Brooklyn caused by the abuse of eminent domain, because that will be the outcome if they allow the property seizures and final clearance for Ratner's unfeasible project."
Needless to say, Borough President Marty Markowitz, who vigorously supports the Ratner's Atlantic Yards Project, was pleased by the news:
“The ruling by the State Court of Appeals reinforces previous decisions supporting the numerous public benefits of the Atlantic Yards project—during these difficult economic times and into Brooklyn’s bright future—including the creation of affordable housing, solid union jobs and permanent employment opportunities for Brooklynites who need work. Today’s decision from our state’s highest court marks what amounts to the final step in the legal process to make it happen. Finally, we will bring a national professional sports team and a world-class facility back to our borough after 52 years! Brooklyn ’s shovels are, and have been, ready. So, let’s pick them up and get to work!”