TO: Friends, Neighbors and Residents of the 57th Assembly District. Below is a little update on what I, your new Democratic District Leader, has been involved with since my appointment on Wednesday, September 10th. October 2nd Update: Ratner's Arena/Luxury High-Rise Housing Plan Let me bring you up to date on the status of the Ratner Arena/Luxury Housing proposal, based on the information I've gathered about this closely held plan, and on the actions taken by those of us in opposition to it. Ratner's Purchase Bid of the Nets/Devils According to press reports, in the New York Times, the Yankee/Nets group has hired Goldman Sachs and Lehman Brothers to manage the auction for the Nets/Devil teams. I have been informed that Ratner does not have the $250 million minimum needed for participation in the auction - but only $50 million. Experts in the sports business field tell me, however, that it should not be very difficult for Ratner to structure a deal that would raise the necessary funds. What is clear, however, is that the purchase of the Nets/Devil is NOT a done deal. Ratner's Control of the LIRR Railyards According to a number of sources, including people close to the MTA Board, Ratner does not have site-control over the LIRR-owned parcels of Atlantic Avenue between Vanderbilt and Flatbush Avenues. Nor does it appear, as of the time of this update, that the MTA Board is prepared to affect such a transfer. I'm working to identify the specific parcels controlled by Ratner, the MTA and New York City. The bad news is that Governor Pataki (Ratner's old law school buddy) controls the MTA Board and could push through a sale or transfer. Community Action against the Arena/Luxury High-rise Plan Members of the Prospect Height Action Coalition (PHAC), tenant leaders from the Atlantic Terminal Houses and other concerned residents gathered for an informational meeting about the Ratner plan, on Sunday, September 14th, at the Hansen Place Seven-day Adventist Church. Senator Velmanette Montgomery and former Community School Board 13 President Chris Owens spoke out against the plan. Borough President Markowitz and Assemblyman Green (subsequent to the meeting Green has told me that he is against the plan) sent representatives to listen and report back. In the weeks following the meeting, Patti and Schellie Hagan, Philip Truscott and others have been very actively collecting signatures for the anti-Stadium (or Arena) petition drive and conducting community outreach. I've spoken about our arena concerns at the meetings of the 88th Precinct Community Council and the Fort Greene Association. On Sunday afternoon, October 5th, I, other members of PHAC and concerned residents will be protesting and collecting signatures in front of Ratner's Atlantic Center Mall. For further information, please check www.NoStadium.homestead.com or www.newbrooklynleadership.org. Elected Officials in the 57th Assembly District against the Ratner Plan Congressman Major Owens, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Assemblyman Roger Green, District Leader (Female) Freddie Hamilton Contact Francis Byrd: Phone: (H) 718-230-3305 (C) 917-312-7065 E-mail: fhbyrd57districtleader@juno.com fbyrd@newbrooklynleadership.org |
