tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324989552011-07-07T18:04:08.868-04:00<b>IF IT'S YOUR LITMUS, THIS IS IT:</b><br> A guide to, and continuing coverage of, who stands with the community and who stands with the mega-developer Forest City Ratner and its corrupt assault on Brooklyn, New York City and New York's taxpayers.atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.comBlogger671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-30802303743932242462009-11-04T10:21:00.004-05:002009-11-04T10:28:14.794-05:00

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-34759319672882291842009-09-13T12:20:00.011-04:002009-09-13T12:40:06.077-04:00

These endorsements are based on one thing only: true blue, principled, consistent and active opposition to Atlantic Yards. And if you think that is too "single-issue" keep in mind that Atlantic Yards involves nearly every single important issue to New York City in the 21st century (we said nearly, not all).With that in mind, our choices for the primaries on September 1533rd Council Race (soon to

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-87865993466329275672009-09-05T11:07:00.009-04:002009-09-05T11:24:20.778-04:00

The Times, unsurprisingly, has endorsed Brad Lander in the 39th Council District primary. Unsuprising because Lander safely straddles the fence and The Times loves that kind of stuff. Here's the endorsement:District 39, Brooklyn (Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Borough Park):The top three candidates to replace Councilman Bill de Blasio, who is running for

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-58509924106969394172009-08-27T14:09:00.011-04:002009-08-27T14:44:55.127-04:00

We got this three-foot long campaign piece from Bill de Blasio in the mail the other day, and a similar piece of lit today. This is one inner panel of the piece:Yup, Bill de Blasio is claiming to be a "BIG GUY." Each panel on this piece and the other one we got states that he is a "BIG GUY," and that as a "BIG GUY" he will stand up for New Yorkers.It is absolutely true that Bill de Blasio is a

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-85640991721111031892009-08-26T14:00:00.004-04:002009-08-26T14:11:56.475-04:00

Understanding that only one question is likely on this subject, here are a few suggested questions about the biggest proposed development still breathing (besides WTC) in NYC for tonight's NY1, Daily News, WNYC Democratic Mayoral Primary debate:Do you support the Atlantic Yards project? Why or why not?As Mayor would you allow mega-projects such as Atlantic Yards to bypass ULURP?What is your

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-4009720172282394292009-08-22T21:26:00.017-04:002009-08-22T23:44:16.432-04:00

Here is the front of one of Public Advocate candidate Bill de Blasio's (why is he running for this office?) recent literature:And here is an inside page; note the highlighted passage we're concerned about:The highlighted passage reads:Fighting Overdevelopment in BrooklynAll too often, development in our city is pro-big business and anti-neighborhood. As Public Adovcate, Bill will fight

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-50388609740682667242008-11-17T13:46:00.006-05:002008-11-17T13:58:49.112-05:00

From the Moscow Times:Putin's Constitutional JuntaWhat is most interesting about the term increases for State Duma deputies to five years and for the president to six years is the reaction to these changes. We heard hearty, prolonged applause by the Kremlin lackeys in the audience when President Dmitry Medvedev made his announcement in the state-of-the-nation address on Nov. 5. On the other hand,

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-3497199220740067312008-11-01T13:18:00.007-04:002008-11-02T16:13:31.387-05:00

Why Is Bill de Blasio running for Public Advocate, rather than for a third Council term or for the Borough President seat he had been running for prior to the Mayor's power grab? We don't know. We understand that he is afraid of Marty's war chest and popularity, though if Bill de Blasio thought he was the right man for that job prior to the power grab, presumably he'd think so now regardless of

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-79463115935976173502008-10-20T15:36:00.006-04:002008-10-20T15:44:43.662-04:00

The NY Times links to a video from 2005 (mashed up) where Bloomberg calls a legislative override of term limits "disgraceful":YouTube Clip Uses Bloomberg’s Words Against HimBy SEWELL CHAN“The public wants term limits and while there may be — it may be that the City Council has a right to override them, deliberately saying to the public ‘we don’t care what you think’ is, I would use the word ‘

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-35206794593484048032008-10-03T19:11:00.005-04:002008-10-04T00:26:16.134-04:00

The Putins on the Hudson "rear their heads":Mike Bloomberg says, "I'm doing this for the people of New York City who cannot live without me. It is a sacrifice I must make, my pals at the dailies, and Christine, said I should!"Mort Zuckerman says, "Go for it, pal."Rupert Murdoch says, "Run, Mike buddy, Run!"Arthur Sulzberger Jr. says, "Hey Mike, like you, we love the idea of abolishing term

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-52636057575602297972008-10-02T13:19:00.005-04:002008-10-02T13:30:49.705-04:00

Mayor Bloomberg thinks that some things are a disgrace:Disgrace - Overriding the voters on term limits (Aug. 2005):"I think it would be an absolute disgrace to go around the public will," he said on Aug. 30, 2005.The City Council, over his veto, changed the law once to allow its speaker, Gifford Miller, an extra two years in office.Bloomberg said four years ago: "They already did, I thought,

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-26551321767962798322008-10-02T13:02:00.004-04:002008-10-05T20:40:34.492-04:00

Concluding "Term limits were made for this man," Lost City summarizes "13 Reasons Bloomber Shouldn't Be Re-elected," and starts with....Atlantic Yards: I'm not sure why a great chunk of the metropolitan population, when thinking about Michael Bloomberg, don't remember his many mayoral failings, but only that they kinda like him for some reason. So, as Mayor "I-know-you-need-me" Mike jockeys

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-59316499505794497812008-10-02T12:49:00.002-04:002008-10-02T12:53:06.739-04:00

ArticleNEW YORK (AP) — Mayor Michael Bloomberg is almost certain to face a legal challenge if he tries to alter the city's term-limits law and seek four more years in office.Several lawyers and government watchdog groups said Wednesday they are mulling legal action to block any changes without the approval of voters, who passed a two-term cap by referendum in 1993.Bloomberg was expected to

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-76267660522427965012008-10-02T12:41:00.004-04:002008-10-05T20:41:31.117-04:00

Put aside his hypocritical rhetoric and the effort to override twice-voted term limits is nothing more than a cutthroat power grab. How dare he say that New York can’t survive this crisis unless this one man can override the voice of the voters.He says we need to override the voice of the voters because only can save New York the fiscal crisis. And he calls that democracy.Putting aside how

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-33956532454366946312008-09-08T12:20:00.003-04:002008-09-08T12:22:21.814-04:00

There is an important primary tomorrow for male district leader in the 57th Assembly District. Machine candidate Walter Moseley is trying to unseat incumbent Bill Saunders. Moseley is part of the Towns machind and, like Towns supports, Atlantic Yards. Saunders has been a consistently outspoken Atlantic Yards opponent.Brownstoner has more: ...There's a lower profile but important race in the 57th

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-38182660478144101702008-09-07T13:47:00.008-04:002008-09-07T14:23:36.849-04:00

Lupe Todd is Ed Towns' campaign spokeswoman. Ring a bell? Lupe Todd was Bruce Ratner's Atlantic Yards flack. Here she is defending Ratner's sweetheart deal with the MTA back in 2005. She eventually left the Ratner team, then signed on as Newark Mayor Cory Booker's spokeswoman only to be fired in her first year. (We don't know why.)Returning to Brooklyn she switched from the corporate side of

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-84616250990434852332008-09-07T11:39:00.005-04:002008-09-07T11:51:32.477-04:00

After being endorsed by the NY Times last week, today Paul Newell, trying to unseat NY State's most corrupt politician—Sheldon Silver—received a resounding endorsement from the NY Daily News.We couldn't agree more. It's time to elect Newell and it's time to dump Silver (and it's time for Luke Henry to pull out of the primary.Vote on Tuesday the 9th.Here's the Daily News endorsement: Dump Sheldon

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-29157096116769884832008-09-03T12:57:00.004-04:002008-09-03T13:04:12.839-04:00

Today The Brooklyn Paper published their endorsement of Kevin Powell over Brooklyn's entrenched 10th  Congressional District machine incumbent Congressman Ed Towns. While the endorsement doesn't make mention of Powell's opposition to and Towns' support of the Atlantic Yards project, it makes a compelling argument to vote for the challenger in September 9th's primary. Their positions on Atlantic

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-8890774525995108162008-09-03T09:36:00.004-04:002008-09-03T09:57:10.425-04:00

Four Ratners including Bruce and his extended family in Ohio, as well as Forest City Ratner's Cleveland-based parent Forest City Enterprises have contributed a total of $12,300 to entrenched incumbent Congressman Ed Towns in Brooklyn's 10th Congressional District. The Atlantic Yards Report breaks that news today:...The contributors include Forest City Enterprises executives Albert Ratner and

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-55500720388358528082008-09-03T01:26:00.007-04:002008-09-03T01:42:33.706-04:00

Joe Lieberman? Are you kidding?Not completely off topic. Senator Lieberman's top 2008 donors by corporation includes Forest City Enterprises. When ranked by industry, real estate comes in a close third.

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-18258334360359795912008-08-28T12:23:00.006-04:002008-08-28T12:45:39.138-04:00

What a great historic night it was last night. Officially nominating the first African-American Presidential nominee, a nominee who will change this country, which so desperately needs change, a Democratic nominee who will win...what a great night.It was only tarnished by one thing: The corrupt Assembly Speaker Silver introducing Senator Hillary Clinton so she could put an end the roll call vote.

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-14981819836163955812008-08-26T20:24:00.006-04:002008-08-27T00:17:01.008-04:00

Beep Markowitz, according to the Times, is in favor of ending term limits. His position on term limits gives a glimpse into the way Markowitz disdainfully views voters and constituents. On the Times City Room blog Markowitz says:“If the laws were changed and they allowed another term, I’d certainly be honored to serve another term,” Mr. Markowitz added. “But the choice would be up to the voters.”

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-34630184724781182062008-08-26T11:32:00.005-04:002008-08-26T11:54:17.260-04:00

Challenging an incumbent as corrupt and deeply entrenched as Sheldon Silver is no easy task. Our admiration goes out to Paul Newell and Luke Henry for making this courageous effort. Newell opposes Atlantic Yards, while Henry's position on the project is unclear.Of course Sheldon Silver supports Atlantic Yards, voted to approve it and receives financial support from Forest City Ratner.The New York

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-45268126415781826012008-08-26T10:33:00.016-04:002008-08-26T11:54:17.264-04:00

So, it's that time of year again. Congressional primaries. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (who represents the 11th district where Atlantic Yards is proposed) is unchallenged.The big race in the neighborhood is for the 10th Congressional District, pitting 25-year incumbent Ed Towns against 42-year old challenger Kevin Powell.Powell opposes Atlantic Yards while Towns has supported the project and has,

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1158182005453283852006-09-13T17:06:00.000-04:002006-09-16T10:59:20.466-04:00

Congratulations to all the candidates. Congratulations to the winners.This guide was NEVER about who would win. Quite the contrary, it was a guide about who was unequivocally standing up for the community and who was wholly or partially defending Ratner and the ESDC's "right" to loot, and plunder a real estate treasure at Brooklyn's hub. Those who have fervently and consistently opposed "Atlantic

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1158037187353298052006-09-12T00:56:00.000-04:002006-09-12T06:10:33.926-04:00

Well, we had missed this one somehow. It sure contradicts Hakeem's Liar Flyer. From the Daily News endorsement of Hakeem Jeffries:7th Assembly District (Fort Greene, Crown Heights, Prospect Heights): Lawyer HAKEEM JEFFRIES has been a cautious supporter of the Atlantic Yards project and gets the nod over Freddie Hamilton, a longtime district leader, and former union activist Bill Batson.Just as we

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1158035886434703502006-09-12T00:34:00.000-04:002006-09-12T00:38:41.663-04:00

The people at No Land Grab have posted their electoral slate. We couldn't agree more:

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157951756852991142006-09-11T01:09:00.000-04:002006-09-11T02:00:47.870-04:00

The "Atlantic Yards" project is quite literally a state takeover of a large area of land in BROOKLYN (22-acres) and a State override of all local zoning. That takeover and override has been overseen by an unlected, unaccountable, non-transparent public authority–the Empire State Development Corporation. The ESDC has been roundly attacked for how they've run their project "oversight," the latest

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157905808006190542006-09-10T12:19:00.000-04:002006-09-11T01:46:27.783-04:00

We have an earwitness report that campaiging and preaching at Brown Memorial Baptist Church in Clinton Hill today Hakeem Jeffries said:You have a God-given right to go to a ball game in your own neighborhood.(Reports are now coming in that it was Reverend Al Sharpton, campaiging with Hakeem, who said this at their church stop.More reports that the Hakeem Jeffries entourage, and we are not sure if

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157848938400904592006-09-09T20:41:00.000-04:002006-09-11T01:49:15.840-04:00

So what do we have here? Daily News blogger/columnist Ben Smith, ever with his ear to the ground, posts his "exclusive" results of an anonymous, privately-financed poll on the 57th AD race between Batson, Hamilton and Jeffries, showing a big lead for Jeffries. First we'll say straight out that our feet are on the ground in the 57th and this poll is Wack. We assure you. We take serious issue with

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157847237558061182006-09-09T20:10:00.000-04:002006-09-09T20:25:21.513-04:00

A commenter over on Daily Gotham's post, "Hakeem Jeffries Flip Flop Flips on Atlantic Yards,", by Mole333 sums things up pretty well about Hakeem's recent mailer. This commenter posts the following;Its about defending positions not taking sides, Jeffries DeflectSubmitted by coward (not verified) on Sat, 2006-09-09 13:33.You don't need to be "with or against us" but you need to be willing to FIGHT

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157821447749315282006-09-09T12:48:00.000-04:002006-09-09T13:12:07.450-04:00

FFFP is never shy about its convictions, which is why they are so spot on. Take a gander at the sports fan's political heros at:FFFP's Election EndorsementsHere is a LONG snippet from FFFP's endorsements:These are the important races, and who FFFP endorses:11th Congressional DistrictChris Owens is the one.Owens is passionate, outspoken, smart as hell, progressive, and knows Washington's ropes.

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157732676402288412006-09-08T12:05:00.000-04:002006-09-08T12:26:35.690-04:00

The struggle over "Atlantic Yards" is of much larger import than some want it to be. It's no NIMBY fight. It's not just a fight over scale, density, traffic, open space, planning, eminent domain etc. It's no small local issue. It's a barometer of the state of affairs in NYC and State government. That's why we believe a candidate's view on "Atlantic Yards" is a litmus test.In sum it's a fight

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157731216917568072006-09-08T11:31:00.000-04:002006-09-08T12:00:17.063-04:00

Gowanus LoungeThursday Political Round UpFeaturing Councilmember Letita James endorsement of Bill Batson and Batson's internet campaign advert.Daily GothamHakeem Jefferies Flip Flop Flips on Atlantic YardsMole333 advances the Hakeem Liar Flier story forward:Though I do not know Mr. Jeffries personally and have not had extended conversations with him on this issue, I feel I should relay to you

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157668663347086882006-09-07T18:36:00.000-04:002006-09-07T18:43:44.663-04:00

Editorial>The Brooklyn PapersThe Papers makes these endorsements:• State Senate, 25th District (Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill): No endorsement. This race pits longtime incumbent Marty Connor against gadfly Ken Diamondstone. We strongly objected to Connor’s effort to knock Diamondstone off the ballot on a factually inaccurate charge that Diamondstone did not live in the district.

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157612443113600222006-09-07T02:57:00.000-04:002006-09-08T11:09:34.136-04:00

Bruce Ratner's propaganda fliers broadcast to hundreds of thousand of Brooklynites 3 different times over the past three years have come to be known amongst those paying attention as Liar Fliers. These fliers are known for their deception, doublespeak, and misinformation. Their goal, of course, is to sell the developer's product to an under-informed public. Hakeem Jeffries (57th Assembly

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157570663563020402006-09-06T14:58:00.000-04:002006-09-06T16:01:09.116-04:00

In a NY Times Empire Zone blog post by Jonthan Hicks about Councilwoman Letitia James' endorsement of Assembly candidate Bill Batson, Reverend Al Sharpton states that he'll be walking the district wiht Jeffries this weekend in his final push. Councilwoman Letitia James is the leading and most outspoken political opponent of "Atlantic Yards." On the other hand Reverend Sharpton admits to receiving

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157484592612184232006-09-05T15:14:00.000-04:002006-09-07T22:59:14.790-04:00

Today is September 5th. Primary day is 7 days away. Election law requires an 11 Day Pre Primary Filing. We've been looking around the NY State BOE site and have found something interesting. The Batson campaign has filed its 11 day pre-primary report. The Jeffries campaign has not filed its 11 day pre-primary report.(9/7 Update: The Jeffries campaign has now filed its 11 day pre-primary report.

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157297687134885712006-09-03T11:32:00.000-04:002006-09-03T11:34:47.136-04:00

The Times says it's going to be all about GOTV in the 11th Congressional race.We agree.Here's the article:Each Candidate Claims the Advantage in a Fierce 4-Way Congressional Race in Brooklyn

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157297526239529452006-09-03T11:11:00.000-04:002006-09-04T19:53:36.310-04:00

Hakeem Jeffries has refused to denounce and oppose the use of eminent domain at Atlantic Yards. So, when his recent campaign mailer was in our pile, we were befuddled. It reads, "...Hakeem Jeffries will:Protect our communities from the private abuse of eminent domain."Click to enlarge"Private abuse of eminent domain?" Huh? What we have with Atlantic Yards is a public and private abuse of eminent

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157224238762485312006-09-02T15:06:00.000-04:002006-09-02T15:11:53.450-04:00

The following arrived in our maibox:MEDIA ADVISORYAssembly Candidate Bill Batson to be Endorsed by City Council Member Letitia James at September 6th Press ConferenceBrooklyn, NY – On Tuesday, September 6th Council Member Letitia James will endorse Assembly candidate Bill Batson at an 11am press conference (location to be announced).Bill Batson is the former Director of Community Relations for

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157223920191139602006-09-02T15:01:00.000-04:002006-09-02T15:06:25.293-04:00

Mole333 at Daily Gotham explains why, even though Atlantic Yards will play out on the State and City level, a candidate's postion on Atlantic Yards provides insight into who they are as principled or unprincipled politicians and whose side they are on. Mole333 writes: Some have told me that Atlantic Yards should not be discussed in the context of a Congressional race because it is a local issue.

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157151689852527132006-09-01T18:49:00.000-04:002006-09-02T10:00:35.913-04:00

We have heard that the leading Atlantic Yards political opponent, Letitia James, on September 6th, will be endorsing Bill Batson in the 57th Assembly District (the Assembly home of the proposed project). Batson is the only Atlantic Yards opponent in that race.

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157150960896276972006-09-01T18:46:00.000-04:002006-09-01T18:49:20.920-04:00

From Mole333 at Daily Gotham we learn that Caribbean-American Weekly has endorsed Chris Owens for the 11th. And we couldn't agree more. With his early stance against the War in Iraq and the War on Brooklyn he couldn't be anything other than clean and outside the machine. Which is exactly what we need much more of in Brooklyn. To Caribbean-American Weekly we say "ditto."We heartily endorse the

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1157067635589145812006-08-31T09:37:00.000-04:002006-09-01T02:11:10.906-04:00

click image to make bigger!'Nuff Said, the Original

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1156964868034292122006-08-30T14:49:00.000-04:002006-08-31T08:20:59.800-04:00

OnNYTurf is opinionating on the NY Times Real Estate Company's sop to Yassky and Bruce. The Paper of Wrecker, Bruce Ratner's development partner, claims that unlike Chris Owens in the 11th District race, David Yassky has "passion" (if passion is the will to please all while pleasing nobody, sure) and a "base" (we guess the Times is the last to know that Mr. Yassky JUST MOVED INTO THE DISTRICT TO

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1156952691029845352006-08-30T14:36:00.000-04:002006-08-30T11:48:11.430-04:00

With the race for the 57th Assembly District in the spotlight of the "Atlantic Yards" debate, in the past week we've seen two anti-"Atlantic Yards" Congressional candidates cross-endorse the only "Alantic Yards" opponent in that race–Bill Batson. This week's Brooklyn Downtown Star discusses the endorsements that have come from Chris Owens and Charles Barron for Bill Batson:"You just keep being

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1156909660544848812006-08-30T12:10:00.000-04:002006-08-30T11:48:46.993-04:00

Mr. David Yassky, Yassky, Yassky,All dressed in Burberry, Burberry, Burberry, With silver donations, donations, donationsAll in his bank, bank, bank.He asked the voters, voters, voters,If he made any sense, sense, sense,Despite the flippity, floppity, flippity,He sat on the fence, fence, fence.He jumped to one side, side, side.He touched both sides, sides, sides,Never making things clear, clear,

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1156488766411777252006-08-25T02:52:00.000-04:002006-08-30T08:57:05.560-04:00

We went to the "Atlantic Yards" hearing Wednesday night in search of some political clarity on the issue. Today we'll look at the 57th. The hearing went on for a long time and unfortunately neither Hakeem Jeffries nor Bill Batson was in the room when their names were called many hours after the hearing started. We think both names were called well after the scheduled ending of the scheduled 4:30-

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1156484656453821232006-08-25T01:41:00.000-04:002006-08-25T02:02:15.666-04:00

Incumbent Representative Ed Towns has an interesting take on "Atlantic Yards." It's one we've not really heard before. In a nutshell he is saying that Prospect Heights and Downtown Brooklyn are "dead" like Downtown Cleveland (an ironic comparison) and Washington, DC once were. That's odd: his co-supporters of the project say the area has gentrified and that's the reason for the project. While NY

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1156482156081491602006-08-25T01:00:00.000-04:002006-08-25T01:07:35.836-04:00

A report about some off target grandstanding at the "Atlantic Yards" DEIS hearing:Pol parade — windbags and wonksYesterday's parade of politicians provided an opportunity to learn more about how some of their positions have evolved, though most used their (loosely regulated) three minutes to pontificate on the greatness of the Borough of Kings.Read on...

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1156479096469820762006-08-25T00:08:00.000-04:002006-08-25T00:13:34.410-04:00

The Atlantic Yards Hearing: A View From the OutsideOur babysitter was sick today so my wife and I split childcare duties. So, I decided I would go over to the Atlantic Yard's hearing today...the ONLY public hearing on the project the state is deigning to allow.Well a quick subway trip took us to Metrotech. It was immediately clear to me that one hearing really was not enough. The line to get in

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1156247971309160632006-08-22T07:59:00.000-04:002006-08-22T08:02:09.020-04:00

Reports have come in that the Ratner-fueled Tracy Boyland campaign (posters, posters everywhere and not a filing to be found) against staunch "Atlantic Yards" opponent State Senator Velmanette Montgomery has been up to some bizarre and highly offensive DIRTY TRICKS. First there was word of a Ratner/Boyland push poll. But that is par for the course. The latest DIRTY TRICK is, well, just read this

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1156197756319297792006-08-21T18:02:00.000-04:002006-08-21T18:55:55.740-04:00

Today brought forth a Crain's article (Brooklyn referendum Big names support Yards; foes eye Sept. 12 primary) and a Times (In Brooklyn, a Fierce Contest to Be Assembly Successor) article on the 57th Assembly District race between Batson, Jeffries and Hamilton.From Crain's:All the most important names in New York politics support the $4.2 billion Atlantic Yards housing and sports arena project

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1156054362846929282006-08-20T01:54:00.000-04:002006-08-20T11:15:54.146-04:00

The Times has endorsed Ken Diamondstone in the 25th Senate District and Hakeem Jeffries in the 57th Assembly District. The paper feels comfortable bucking the establishment with the none-too-loved Marty Connor, and , to nobody's surprise, endorses the candidate in the 57th–Hakeem Jeffries–who supports The Times' business partner Forest City Ratner in their effort to construct 16 towers and an

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1155929028807307142006-08-18T15:20:00.000-04:002006-08-18T15:44:44.376-04:00

from The Crain's Insider - Friday 8/18/06Suspicion is growing that Atlantic Yards developer Forest City Ratner is behind former City Councilwoman Tracy Boyland's bid to oust state Sen. Velmanette Montgomery. Boyland supports the $4.2 billion project, and Montgomery opposes it. Insiders say that Boyland is using the same consulting firm--Knickerbocker SKD--that Forest City used to produce its

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1155889036742101162006-08-18T03:37:00.000-04:002006-08-18T04:30:06.276-04:00

No, it's not one white versus three black candidates, and it's not one woman versus three male candidates. In the 11th Congressional District the one versus three is Chris Owens who has consistently opposed Ratner's plan for nearly three years while the others have been fence-riders at best (Yassky) and project supporters at worst. Carl Andrews even signed a sworn affidavit AGAINST the community

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1155849751354905442006-08-17T17:19:00.001-04:002006-08-17T17:35:56.716-04:00

Our Time Press has endorsed Chris Owens for the 11th Congressional District seat.Though the paper does not mention "Atlantic Yards," its editors are correct to say that this race is a fight for the soul of Central Brooklyn in more than one way. And for Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz who smeared Owens in Carib News as "sucking up to the affluent minority" (which "affluent minority" is

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1155785605884122832006-08-16T23:27:00.000-04:002006-08-16T23:35:56.083-04:00

Well, the results are in (no not election results, appellate results) and Marty Connor has lost his appeal to keep Ken Diamondstone off the ballot for the 25th Senate District according to The Politicker. So, hopefully, we can finally get back to the issues, one of the big ones impacting the District is, of course, "Atlantic Yards."Marty Connor stands with Ratner (because "its not in his district

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1155747194649386002006-08-16T12:35:00.000-04:002006-08-16T12:58:14.226-04:00

The Batson for Brooklyn website has published an open letter from civil rights attorney, former ACLU Executive Director and People's Advocate (as opposed to the "Phantom of City Hall") Norman Siegel, giving his full-throated support, lists his reasons for endorsement and pitch for campaign contributions. Read it and you'll learn a lot about Batson that you might not know.Why is this important?

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1155665376614476132006-08-15T14:05:00.000-04:002006-08-15T14:16:39.996-04:00

Today the Gotham Gazette covers the 57th Assembly District race. This is the key race when it comes to "Atlantic Yards."The proposed project sits squarely (or triangularly) within the 57th, and the neighborhoods that would be most directly impacted–Prospect Heights, Fort Green, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights –would be represented by the winner of this race.Within the bounds of the 57th "Atlantic

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1155593856372244252006-08-14T18:13:00.000-04:002006-08-14T18:19:57.100-04:00

Regarding Connor v. Diamondstone, and the race between Marty Connor and Ken Diamondstone, perhaps we spoke too soon.From the Politicker:Connor to Try AgainWe've just heard from Ken Diamondstone that Marty Connor will appeal the Supreme Court decision to allow Diamondstone to appear on the ballot in their race for State Senate, and that they will appear at the Brooklyn Appellate Courthouse

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1155543255385115172006-08-14T03:12:00.000-04:002006-08-31T13:15:12.796-04:00

We hadn't included the 20th Senate District, which abuts the proposed "Atlantic Yards" site, in our "Atlantic Yards" Voter Guide because we felt that both candidates were wafflers and weren't really sure where they stood.We should have known better. Both candidates–Eric Adams, co-founder of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care and Anthony Alexis, former council legislative director for

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1155498935095851852006-08-13T15:54:00.000-04:002006-08-13T17:51:19.556-04:00

New York Times Endorses Senator Velmanette Montgomery State Senate District 18 (northwest Brooklyn: Sunset Park, Red Hook, Downtown, Bedford Stuyvesant, Ocean Hill) State Senator Velmanette Montgomery is facing a challenge from former City Councilwoman Tracy L. Boyland, a member of the Boyland political family. Ms. Montgomery is a far better voice for her district, even though we don’t agree

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1155407076311623192006-08-12T14:24:00.000-04:002006-08-12T16:48:04.806-04:00

We had refrained from including the race for the 25th Senate District as the existence of the race was hinging on, well, an existential battle in court between entrenched incumbent and election law pedant Martin Connor and insurgent Ken Diamondstone. Well the verdict is in and we once again have a race.Diamondstone won his right to remain on the ballot in the face of Connor’s court challenge to

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1155333862462869382006-08-11T18:03:00.000-04:002006-09-07T00:43:13.400-04:00

Where does Hakeem Jeffries stand on "Atlantic Yards?"The simple answer is: when push comes to shove, Hakeem stands in support of the project.He has said as much in the most in-depth mainstream news article to date on the race. See Atlantic Yards, Still but a Plan, Shapes Politics in Brooklyn , by Nicholas Confessore, from the July 3rd New York Times :"I spent six hours at two meetings with him,"

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32498955.post-1155200240745422872006-08-10T04:40:00.000-04:002006-08-10T17:44:06.016-04:00

For voters in the upcoming primary elections, here is a guide to where candidates stand on Forest City Ratner's proposed "Atlantic Yards" development project in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. This blog will keep y'all abreast of these races and others that figure into the "Atlantic Yards" controversy. **Reader KG points out that we forgot the Ratner/Boyland challenge to Senator Velmanette Montgomery

atlanticyardsvoterguidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16870000018541309148noreply@blogger.com13