Atlantic Yards Omsbudsman Office Not Open, But Should "Soon"

Where is the Atlantic Yards Ombudsman? Apparently, he's around, just not in an office that members of the public can get into right now. Per Jotham Sederstrom in the Daily News:

Nearly a year after state officials announced they would hire a community advocate for residents living near the Atlantic Yards project, the doors have yet to swing open to the public, officials acknowledged Tuesday. Former MTA executive Forrest Taylor was hired in a fit of damage control nine months after a building collapse on Pacific St. within the $4.2 billion development site.

But since November, when Taylor started the job, office renovations and ongoing meetings with city and state officials have delayed his advocacy duties. "He's been the ombudsman since we hired him and he's been working with the community, but this will be the first time he'll be keeping office hours," said Empire State Development Corp. spokesman Warner Johnston.

The politically savvy Taylor, a one-time chief of staff to the City Council speaker, was hired in November by ESDC officials for a job that led many Prospect Heights residents to believe he would act as a voice for the community. But only 60% of Taylor's job would be spent addressing community concerns, Johnston said.

After Mr. Sederstrom asked, the state said Mr. Taylor's office on Hanson Place would be opening soon. He is currently on vacation.

[Photo courtesy of threecee/flickr]