Glitch after glitch.
Glitch after glitch.
I believe that this project could already be underway had the yards been parceled and Ratner obliged to first fulfill the arena, commercial, hotel towers on the triangular lot at Flatbush and Atlantic. The sheer size, volume and unignorable impact of this project on the local area are what keeps it mired in the muck.
From Netsdaily.com:
'Brokeback' Star to Raise Funds to Keep Nets Out of Brooklyn
Heath Ledger, Australian-born star of "Brokeback Mountain" and "The Patriot" among others, expects to do some fund-raising to help his neighbors stop Bruce Ratner's plans for Atlantic Yards. The Nets' new arena is the centerpiece of the planned $4.2 billion mini-city in downtown Brooklyn. Ledger and his wife, actress Michelle Williams, are Brooklyn residents who had previously lent their names to anti-Ratner efforts
^ Moron.Quote:
Originally Posted by JCMAN320
There are better things he can be doing with his money. Much better.
That's one of the nice things about making big money -- you can spend it as you like ...
Right, but I imagine that the people who are against this project, and who are probably falling over Heath Ledger for his contributions, are the same people who demand celebrities to start charities to end world hunger, disease, etc. It just seems a little odd that he chose this particular channel for his money, that's all. Not that I'd ever chide him for doing so; it's his money, he can do whatever he pleases.
I'd be willing to bet that Heath also uses some of his money to fund other causes, such as those you mention ...
Another thing about makiing good money -- you have more to spread around in various areas where you feel influence / help is needed.
Sounds to me like either Silver or Spitzer have some sort of gentleman's agreement with Pataki to let them take a look at the project before approving it. Thoughts?
Doubt that it's an agreement between those 3 ^^^
More likely is that lower-level functionaries give the higher-ups access to whatever paperwork they want to see.
I know that this is about NIMBY's using his money and image to fight this project but who the hell is this new comer aussie-boy get to get involved in this?? He's lived here like a year or something and he is going to tell some of us who have lived in Brooklyn our entire lives what is right for this borough. Gitdahelloutahere with that ultra-BS and go back down under will ya Heath!Quote:
Originally Posted by JCMAN320
Don't cha know?
It's just hip to fight for the "small guy" against "da man."
Hopefully at the least he has done his homework and learned all sides of the issue.Quote:
I know that this is about NIMBY's using his money and image to fight this project but who the hell is this new comer aussie-boy get to get involved in this??
The fact that no one was proposing anything for Atlantic Yards before this proposal. And the fact that it will cost a lot of money for anyone to develop. Which consequently means they will want to make a lot of money. Business is not philanthropy.
The fact that Ratner offered residence money, relocation help and affordable housing in the new development. The fact that most people took the offer. The fact that the few who refuse to leave are not the marginalized poor.
The fact that he has offered to help fund some Brooklyn community projects such as the long stalled Brooklyn Visual Performing Arts Library.
In the bigger picture hopefully he understands Brooklyn's population is projected to increase over next 15-20 years to 3 million. Brooklyn is currently in a housing shortage. Because of these two variables the over all cost of housing is on a vertical incline.
If he knows all of this and still feels Atlantic Yards is not in Brooklyn's best interest, I can understand that as anyone has the right to disagree. But I would challenge the naysayers to offer a viable alternative plan to deal with the current housing shortage and future growth.
Oh for heaven's sake.
For the last time, it's just not PC to fight for a rich developer against the "community" regardless of who is right or wrong.
Don't you guys get it?
I think Heath is doing this for his own self interest. It's not some Hollywood stunt - he has the provincial personal desire to keep his nabe quiet and free of, say, tourists looking for his house. I don't think this outweights the housing shortage, lack of interesting retail, increased segregtation of neighorhoods, or higher taxes that will result if the project doesn't get built, but I'll give him the credit for pursuing his own self interest without apology rather than claiming he's on some lefty Hollywood kick.