AY hearings show a community divided

Last night’s community hearing on the Atlantic Yards project — a possible Prospect Heights development, which would include a new Nets arena and 16 skyscrapers — erupted into angry debate. Even as Borough President Marty Markowitz confirmed his support for the project, headed by developer Bruce Ratner and designed by Kansas City-based firm Ellerbe Beckett, State Assembly member Jim Brennan was critical. Many community members have criticized the Empire State Development Corp. for supporting Ratner’s project without requiring him to produce a final rendering of the project. Ratner isn’t required by law to supply images of the final plans before the state officials’ final vote, said Steve Matlin of the ESDC.