Sponsored by:
New York State Senate Standing Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions

Venue:
Pratt Institute Higgins Hall

Location:
61 St. James Place (corner of Lafayette Ave.)

Description:
The Atlantic Yards Arena and Redevelopment Plan (AY Plan) was announced by the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC), a public authority, in 2003. The plan includes a 19,000 seat Arena and 16 high rises which are to be built during a ten year time period. The 22 acre site adjoins the neighborhoods of Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, Parks Slope and Boerum Hill in Brooklyn. It includes an 8 acre site owned by the MTA, and other properties owned by the City and private property owners.
The Plan received all of its approvals in December 2006. The approval includes an override of the local zoning laws; an override of a more strict NYC Environmental Review; and approved taking properties by Eminent Domain.
The ESDC designated Forest City Ratner Corporation (FCRC) as the sole developer. New York State and New York City have committed to subsidize the Project through issuing bonding debts, infrastructure improvements, and other subsidies.
The purpose of this hearing is to elicit recommendations for improved accountability, and transparency, land use planning, and community participation for large scale development. The Committee will hear testimony regarding financing, project oversight and the role of the Empire State Development Corporation, a public authority, in the Atlantic Yards Arena and Redevelopment Plan.
Persons wishing to present testimony at the hearing should complete and return this reply form by Wednesday, May 20. You may reply by email, regular mail, or fax. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of postponement or cancelation of the hearing.
Testimony at the hearing is by Committee invitation only. However, written comments will be accepted by all who wish to submit comments.
Witnesses are asked to keep oral testimony to no more than ten minutes. Written testimony will also be accepted and may be sent to the contact person listed on the reply form. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committees will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. If you are testifying, please submit ten copies of any prepared testimony at the hearing registration desk. In order to further publicize the hearing, please inform interested parties of the Committee’s interest in receiving written testimony from all sources.
In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the New York State Senate and Assembly have made their facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. Accommodation will be provided to individuals with disabilities upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Senate and Assembly facilities and activities.

Open to:
General public (RSVP by request form required)