Empire State Development Corporation and Forest City Ratner Companies have served notice that they intend to fight a July court decision ordering further environmental review of the Atlantic Yards project, Brooklyn Speaks, a civic organization that has for a long time been opposed to the development, announced today.
In July, a Supreme Court judge ruled that the project was subject to another environmental review, as the construction timeline for the second phase of the project was extended to 25 years.
The filing of the appeal by FCRC and ESDC delays ESDC’s obligation to Comply With The Court order, Brooklyn Speaks said, thus delaying changes to the Atlantic Yards plan that would accelerate the delivery of affordable housing and jobs to the area.
Michael Cairl, president of the Park Slope Civic Council, said: “Brooklyn can’t wait 25 years for affordable housing at this site, and it shouldn’t have to. It’s time for ESDC to look at Atlantic Yards with a fresh pair of eyes, take advantage of the parcels that can support development now and start building affordable housing for which there is demand right now.”
Neither ESDC or Forest City Ratner were immediately available for comment. — Katherine Clarke