[SI.com] Nets' Brooklyn redevelopment project approved by NY board

Nets' redevelopment project approved by NY board
Posted: Wednesday December 20, 2006 5:01PM; Updated: Wednesday December 20, 2006 10:06PM

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Clearing the way for major pro sports to return to Brooklyn for the first time since the Dodgers left in 1957, New Jersey Nets owner Bruce Ratner's $4 billion redevelopment project was approved Wednesday.

The project that could reshape Brooklyn with the basketball arena, office towers and thousands of apartments was approved after months of maneuvering among New York state's top political leaders. If the project proceeds as planned, the Nets would play their first season in Brooklyn in 2009-10.

The state Public Authorities Control Board voted unanimously to authorize the Atlantic Yards development, a sprawling reuse of an area near downtown Brooklyn railyard that would include a new home for the Nets. The state would pay $100 million and New York City would pay $100 million toward the project designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry.

"We are ecstatic about what this signifies for the future of the Nets' organization and for our fans," Ratner said. "We want all of our fans to remain part of the Nets' family and we are determined to make this transition as seamless and enjoyable as possible for all of our fans across the metro area. This is a tremendous day for the Nets and a tremendous day for Brooklyn."

The development of 16 buildings including 6,000 residential units is projected by its supporters to create thousands of jobs.

The first phase will include an 18,000-seat arena, four towers of commercial and residential space around the arena. The first phase also will include a fifth, mixed-use tower.

Of the 6,000 condominium and rental units planned, 2,250 will be priced for low and moderate income residents, under the plan. In all, the project will have 8 acres of open space.

A second phase will include an improved Vanderbilt train yard and improvements to the subway station, according to the resolution approved by the state Public Authorities Control Board.

"The Atlantic Yards project, two years in development, will create tens of thousands of construction jobs and thousands of permanent jobs, and bring professional sports back to Brooklyn for the first time since the departure of the Dodgers to Los Angeles nearly 50 years ago," Gov. George Pataki said.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said he supported the project Wednesday because the developer committed to several neighborhood improvements. They include affordable housing, limiting the towers to heights compatible with existing buildings, and working with Brooklyn officials to build a high-tech high school.

Pataki, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the vast majority of the City Council, state Assembly and Senate support Atlantic Yards. But Silver, a Manhattan Democrat, had insisted against linking the development to any other projects that the Republican governor and the Republican-led Senate have sought.

"It was not linked to anything, ever," countered Pataki spokesman David Catalfamo.

On Wednesday morning, Pataki agreed to allow Atlantic Yards to stand alone.

The project would also include a hotel and retail space and the tallest building would rise 58 stories above the railyard.

Atlantic Yards has spawned contentious public hearings and endless debate. It faces a federal lawsuit from Brooklyn property owners and tenants who have charged that the seizure of their property under eminent domain was unconstitutional.

Opponents say the project's scale and striking design -- with undulating glass towers of varying size and angles -- would transform the image of predominantly low-rise and brownstone Brooklyn neighborhoods while creating a traffic nightmare.

Supporters suggest the opposition is distinctly local and fueled by transplanted Manhattanites. They note that the project is expected to generate nearly 22,000 construction jobs and 5,000 more permanent jobs once the project is finished, as well as $944 million in state tax revenues.

In addition to political leaders, the developers have a key ally in the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, a national advocate for low- and middle-income urban families.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/basketball/nba/12/20/bc.bkn.atlanticyards.ap/index.html