This watchdog blog, by journalist Norman Oder, covers the project to build the Barclays Center arena and 15-16 towers at a crucial site in Brooklyn. Dubbed Atlantic Yards by developer Forest City Ratner in 2003, it was rebranded Pacific Park Brooklyn in 2014 after Shanghai-based Greenland USA took a majority share. Forest City left in 2018. Eight towers and the arena have been built. After a stall, Cirrus and LCOR in 2025 took over as master developers. A plan to complete the project is pending.
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What’s New in Draft Scope? Better Views of Seven Proposed Towers, New Ground Floor Access Plans, Unlikely Timing ( link ) Projected 2040 completion date “is subject to some uncertainty.” That’s for sure.
New “Informational Handout” on Atlantic Yards Omits Mention of Subsidies and Free Bulk ( link ) While touting more apartments, it doesn’t say market-rate units outpace affordable ones. Focus on “reorganized” open space omits increase, which might be just .3-acre.
How a Promised 1-Acre Increase in Open Space Became .5-Acre, Outpaced by Tower Expansion ( link ) The developers’ explanation doesn't fully make sense. Also, the rhetoric regarding the B8 “transformative amenity” deserved closer scrutiny.
Belatedly Released State Document Suggests Subsidies Would Exceed $700M; Deadlines of 2037/39 for 1st Block and 2040/42 (!?) for 2nd Block Have Escape Hatches ( link ) If the smaller first block needs $350M, a $700M total wouldn't be enough. NYS admits second platform block not yet viable. Affordable housing conforms to plans disclosed.
"Art on the Hour" at the Arena Oculus: a Curious Juxtaposition With Digital Advertising ( link ) The works vary significantly in style and quality. At BAM, a separate project: a film fest from Spike Lee and Clara Wu Tsai.
Behind the Lull, Much Is Percolating: MOU, Financial Analysis, Draft Scope for the Environmental Review ( link ) Developer Cirrus's lobbying includes a stepped-up contract for crunch time, plus outreach to clergy (via AG Tish James!). YIMBY Mayor Mamdani's on board.
The Brooklyn Nets & NY Liberty Foundation: More Transparent than the Tsais' Social Justice Fund ( link ) Some spending bolsters arena allies, some to national causes. Some goes to local Jewish groups. How could the (phantom) Tsai Foundation give $2M to the teams' foundation?
The Barclays Center yesterday (late) released its August 2026 event calendar to community members. It includes 12 ticketed events: seven New York Liberty games and five concerts. Angela Yee Day Also, the free annual Angela Yee Day, the "block party" hosted by the radio personality, will be held on Sunday, August 12, from noon to 5 pm, though the Community Notice (above) suggests that amplified…
The 2005 Atlantic Yards MOU Was Announced by the Governor & Released to Face Scrutiny ( link ) So, why the secrecy about the project's latest Memorandum of Understanding, outlining timetables, subsidies, and more?
How Much Money Does Cirrus Workforce Housing Have, and How Long Will it Last? ( link ) Cirrus has raised just $137.7M toward a $400M goal. It has some big expenditures, but also $175M in public funds. Also, NY State has signed an MOU with Cirrus but won't make it public.
Is Atlantic Yards, As Per Gov. Hochul, an "Affordable Housing Development"? Not Really. ( link ) Would there be 40% more below-market units, as per the developer? Nope. Flashback: Greenland's road not taken promised more affordable units, sooner.
The Brooklyn Nets, Social Justice, and (Exiting) Sponsor Qatar Airways, from a Repressive Regime ( link ) Qatar's made a #sportswashing push worldwide, though it will lose its club at Barclays. Neighboring United Arab Emirates, with even uglier baggage, is entwined with the NBA and the Knicks.
