Pros
Several politicians, including Mayor Bloomberg and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, support Ratner's development plan.
Proponents of the development cite the following potential benefits:
- The plan will generate jobs. Ratner's group claims the project will create 15,000 temporary construction jobs.
- According to Ratner, the project will raise over $5.6 billion in tax revenues over a period of 30 years.
- Available housing will increase. The plan promises to add 6,400 units of mixed-income housing, so that all residents will be able to afford to live in the area.
- The new development could spur economic growth by creating new business opportunites and a new economic center for Brooklyn.
Cons
Many politicians and community groups oppose Ratner's plan because they believe the development will have a negative effect on the quality of life in Brooklyn.
These groups are dubious about the promises Ratner's group has made--They question the amount of affordable housing that will be built (none of which has been guaranteed) and argue against the idea of a major corporation reaping financial rewards by, they believe, overtaking and drastically changing their own neighborhoods and residential areas.
The opposition lists several potential downfalls to the development:
- The project relies on the use of eminent domain, which allows the government to seize private property, homes, and businesses. Local residents could find themselves without a place to live.
- According to opposing websites like Atlantic Yards Report, the number of jobs the project will supposedly create has been inflated, with the 15,000 jobs promised actually translating to 1,500 jobs per year over the 10-year construction period.
- Traffic will increase. There could be up to 23,000 more cars driving through Brooklyn each day.
- With 15,000 new residents moving into Atlantic and Flatbush Aves, the area faces possible overcrowding.
- Congestion could arise from incoming tourists attending events at the new Arena. Nearly 20,000 people would be coming to the area for these events. Where would they park?
Where it Stands
According to Ratner, the Atlantic Yards Project received approval in December 2006, and there is currently demolition work being done in preparation for the beginning of construction. To see the site of the proposed plan, go to this map.
Critics of the project point out that Ratner still doesn't own all of the property necessary to complete the plan. He is currently dealing with several lawsuits, and there is a pending decision in state supreme court as to whether or not the arena qualifies as a "civic project." The outcome will affect Ratner's ability to complete construction.
