Developer's blight or revitalization?

The use of eminent domain is often controversial when acquiring land and property. Since Kelo vs New London in 2005, US courts have often sided with municipalities that claim increased tax revenue or job growth even at the expense of displacement, gentrification, or community transformation.  Empire State Development claims the Atlantic Yards project is a means for "fostering sustainable growth, creating jobs, reviving our economy and expanding opportunities for all New Yorkers."  At $4 billion, the project includes 16 residential, office, retail, community facilities, and parking buildings, 8 acres of public space, and is expected to create thousands of construction and permanent jobs.  As the much delayed construction continues, the developers continue to push against community opposition with weekly construction updates, glossy renderings, and hearings.

Aerial View of Atlantic Yards Source: atlanticyards.com

Source: atlanticyards.com

STATEMENT BY EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT ON COURT OF APPEALS ATLANTIC YARDS RULING – November 24, 2009

“Today the State's highest court, like every other court that has considered the issue, upheld the use of eminent domain to facilitate development of the Atlantic Yards Project. Empire State Development is as committed as ever to seeing the completion of this Project. With this major hurdle lifted, we can now move forward with development which will accomplish its goals of eliminating blight, and bringing transportation improvements, an arena, open space, affordable housing and thousands of jobs to the people of Brooklyn and the State of New York.”

STATEMENT BY EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT ON ATLANTIC YARDS CONDEMNATION RULING - March 1, 2010

"ESDC is pleased with the recent ruling on the Atlantic Yards condemnation hearing by Justice Gerges of the Brooklyn Supreme Court, and is looking forward to moving ahead with a project that will bring an arena, open space, affordable housing, transportation improvements and thousands of jobs to Brooklyn."

Source:
Empire State Development