A New York state agency's approval yesterday of the proposed Atlantic Yards project near downtown Brooklyn may lead to another lawsuit against the long-delayed Basketball arena and housing plan, an Atlantic Yards opponent said. Daniel Goldstein, whose condominium stands within the footprint for the Barclays Center Basketball arena, which could become home to the Nets , condemned the Empire State Development Corp.'s approval of a revised project plan. Goldstein said that the revisions triggered a need for a supplemental environmental impact statement. New York state officials and the Nets disagreed. "Our commitment to the project, including the housing, the jobs and, of course, bringing the Nets to Atlantic Yards, has remained steadfast, even as the changing economic conditions made the project more challenging," Atlantic Yards spokesman Joe DePlasco said. "Today's vote means the Atlantic Yards project can go forward."
The Nets want to break ground by Dec. 31 to take advantage of an expiring Internal Revenue Service provision that would save them more than $100 million in expenses. New York state's highest court, the Court of Appeals, has agreed to hear Goldstein's argument against the use of eminent domain at the site on Oct. 14. The ruling -- which could make or break the multibillion-dollar project -- is expected in November.
John Brennan is a staff writer for The Record. He may be reached at brennan@northjersey.com
