AY development faces fresh lawsuit from community groups

As the controversial Atlantic Yards project awaits a make it or break it rulingfrom the New York Court of Appeals, it has yet another lawsuit with which to contend. A collection of neighborhood advocacy groups filed yet another suit against developer Forest City Ratner Companies and the Empire State Development Corporation today, this time in the New York State Supreme Court. The plaintiffs in the suit include advocacy groups, such as the Brooklyn Heights Association, and individuals, such as State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Assembly member Jim Brennan and Council member Letitia James. They allege that the Atlantic Yards revised plan was approved without due consideration to the safety risks and negative side effects imposed on the surrounding neighborhood. Bruce Bender, executive vice president of Forest City Ratner, said his group was hardly blindsided by the plaintiffs’ move. “It should not surprise anyone that opponents who pledged to sue early and often are still suing,” Bender said. “It is what they do.” [Crain’s]