Atlantic Yards Suit Dismissal React-a-ganza

The press release announcing the decision dismissing the environmental review lawsuit about Atlantic Yards and providing Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn's reaction hit our inbox at about 4:55PM yesterday afternoon. It was followed by Borough President Marty Markowitz's press release at 5:55PM. Then came Forest City Ratner's release at 6:02PM. Here's a sampling of the reactions:

DDDB: "We believe that the decision was wrongly decided and we are determined to appeal and win," said Jeffrey S. Baker ( Young, Sommer,Ward, Ritzenberg, Baker & Moore) lead attorney for the community plaintiffs.

“We are disappointed by the court’s ruling. But let’s be clear: Atlantic Yards cannot move forward while the thirteen plaintiffs—homeowners, business owners and tenants—are in federal court in a separate case challenging New York State’s unconstitutional use of eminent domain. We expect to prevail in that lawsuit, as well as on the appeal of today’s decision,” said DDDB spokesman Daniel Goldstein.

Marty Markowitz: “Score a big victory for Brooklyn’s future. This latest court decision from State Supreme Court Justice Madden, which comes on the heels of a similar ruling by the Federal District Court last summer, reaffirms the public benefits of the Atlantic Yards project for Brooklyn — thousands of units of affordable housing, thousands of union jobs, and our much-anticipated return to sports’ major leagues. The project’s world-class architecture, on-site school, street-level shopping, and accessible public open space will enhance Downtown Brooklyn, knitting together surrounding neighborhoods to create a vibrant cultural center over Brooklyn’s largest public transportation hub. Now, as we move to the implementation stage, we must ensure that impacts are minimized and any meritorious concerns of residents are addressed. With these goals in mind, let’s get the shovels on the ground, let’s get this affordable housing built, and let’s get ready to root for the Brooklyn Nets, our new home team!”

Bruce Ratner: “We are very pleased with Judge Madden’s decision, as it further clears the way for Atlantic Yards and the thousands of jobs, affordable housing units and world-class arena - the Barclays Center – that will accompany the project,” Mr. Ratner said. “After an exhaustive three-year review process, we are continuing to move full speed ahead on the project, and today’s decision is a significant step forward.”

ESDC [Via The Real Estate]: “For the fourth time, a court has affirmed the state’s actions in the Atlantic Yards project. We are very pleased with Justice Madden’s decision and look forward to construction of the arena, housing and other facets of this important, transformative development project.”