From New York 1:

A Manhattan judge ruled in favor of
Forest City Ratner, allowing the developer to demolish 5 buildings that
stand in the footprints of the proposed Nets Arena in Brooklyn.

Although community groups tried to stop him, the judge says Ratner
has the right to tear down 5 buildings near the Atlantic Railyards.
Ratner says they’re unsafe while plaintiff’s argued an independent
evaluation should be required.

The buildings sit on land owned by Ratner. Asbestos removal is
underway and with this victory, Ratner hopes to start demolition as
early as next week.

"It’s a relief to think that we’re very close to demolishing these
structures, which are a hazard to the people who work and live in the
adjoining buildings," said Jeffrey Braun, an attorney for Ratner.

There was a victory for the dozen community groups that banded
together against Ratner. They were able to get a lawyer removed from
the case.

David Paget, an attorney for the Empire State Development
Corporation, which is overseeing the environmental impact of the
project, once worked for Ratner. The judge agreed with the plaintiffs
calling it a conflict of interest.

"Well, obviously, we are very pleased that the court decided to
preserve, or try to improve the integrity of the process, by declaring
that you can’t have the same lawyer representing the applicant and the
agency that’s reviewing it. It was the right decision," said Jeffrey
Baker, the plaintiff’s attorney.

The Empire State Development Corporation has 45 days to find a new lawyer. All sides are considering appeals.