As construction begins, a walk around AY

With the Atlantic Yards deal officially closed and with construction begun on Bruce Ratner‘s new Barclays Center, the Atlantic Yards Report blog took to the streets last weekend to find out what the project’s impact will be on the surrounding area. Cars were locked in traffic, after those heading south were diverted from Fifth to Sixth avenues, as per the new traffic plan. The surrounding blocks offer both intact residential housing and several empty lots, which could be used as evidence by supporters or opponents of the project. On Bergen and Dean streets, near the site of two buildings already demolished by Forest City Ratner, two rowhouses are for sale. Signs for the new Barclays Center are already up on the western part of the site’s footprint.