Rich developers got a huge boost in their quest to build the Atlantic Yards from Judge Nicholas Garaufis today. He ruled against a small community of tenants, businesses and homeowners who would have to watch their little pieces of Brooklyn be demolished. The Judge claims that the area is "blighted" and therefore justifies the takeover of the area to make way for the new Nets basketball arena and high priced office and rental space.
From WNBC:
"Because plaintiffs concede that the project will create large quantities of housing and office space, as well as a sports arena, in an area that is mostly blighted," he wrote, no reasonable juror could conclude "that the 'sole purpose' of the project is to confer a private benefit."
Ratner released a statement calling the ruling "an important victory" for Brooklyn.
An attorney for the residents, Matthew Brinckerhoff, said he will appeal.
"We are confident that the appellate court will allow this case to proceed to trial, at which the citizens of New York will finally learn the real reason plaintiffs' properties were selected to be forcibly taken, and why Ratner was chosen to reap an unprecedented financial windfall," he said in a written statement.
The only victory here is for people like Ratner and his developer buddies. There is no joy here for Brooklyn.
It is a shame that Judge Garaufis decided that razing neighborhoods was a way to cure "blight." You know Judge, there are better ways of making a neighborhood better than just bulldozing it and giving it over to people like Bruce Ratner. NBA owners have enough money and this one doesn't need anymore, especially at the expensive of longtime Brooklyn residents. Thankfully this will go to the appellate court where some common sense can hopefully be found.
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