Lawsuit questions benefit of Atlantic Yards

A lawsuit against the Atlantic Yards project revolves around whether
the project will have an “overwhelming” benefit to the public. In a
case brought by nine residential and commercial owners and tenants who
are facing eviction to make room for developer Bruce Ratner’s project,
the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Matthew Brinckerhoff, argued yesterday that the
project does not have a significant public benefit because Ratner’s
own profit from the project will be so great. State lawyer Charles
Webb said the project’s public benefits include a basketball arena and
2,250 units of below-market-rate housing. A ruling on the case is
expected in several months.