The Yards docket
Case
Plaintiffs
Claim
Status
“The eminent domain case”
Nine landowners owners and tenants inside the Atlantic Yards footprint.
That the state is wrongly using its condemnation power to give private property to Ratner on the grounds that the Atlantic Yards project confers a large public benefit.
Shot down by lower courts and the U.S. Supreme Court, but was heard by New York State’s highest court on Oct. 14. Ruling expected in November.
“The community lawsuit”
Twenty six neighborhood groups, including Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn and the Sierra Club.
Argues that the environmental review of the project was a sham and that some blocks inside the project footprint are not sufficiently blighted to justify the use of eminent domain.
Filed in April, 2007, but shot down by both lower courts. Plaintiffs are hoping that the Court of Appeals decides to take the case.
“The sweetheart deal” case
Four local politicians, plus DDDB and the Straphangers Coalition.
Argues that the June, 2009 renegotiation between the MTA and Ratner violated the state law because no other bidders were solicited.
Filed on Oct. 13 in the state’s lowest court.
“The new case”
Twenty community groups, including DDDB.
Argues that the June renegotiation broke the law because it did not include a new environmental impact statement and also lets Ratner off the hook on his affordable housing pledge.
Filed on Oct. 19 in the state’s lowest court.
