Atlantic Yards, a development project in the hearts of Prospect Heights and Park Slope in Brooklyn, has met tremendous opposition and has been the cause for numerous protest, demonstrations, lawsuits, television and radio coverage.
The project is being developed by Forest City Ratner, with its chief developer, Bruce Ratner. According to him, Atlantic Yards would be the new home of the New Jersey Nets, a basketball team , the Barclays Center, and commercial and residential space. Developers argue that this would bring renewed life to Brooklyn as it ushers in a new era of professional sports. This, they say is much needed and welcomed since it has been more than 50 years since the Dodgers left Brooklyn, taking with them the spirit of sports. Among the supporters of Atlantic Yards is Borough President Marty Markowitz, Mayor Bloomberg and the MTA.
However, many opposing the venture argue that it would only bring loss of jobs, homes, traffic congestion, noise and high rents. Residents in the area stand to lose their town houses, some of which are multi-million dollar homes, not to mention the destruction of rent-stabilized pre-war apartment buildings. Such controversy has brought together many Brooklynites, among them are Reverend Billy, council members Yassky and Letitia James, and many bloggers and local television and radio stations.
With the many obstacles facing the, the only question now remain is, what will the future of Atlantic Yards?
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