Reporting and analysis about the controversial, unresolved Brooklyn megaproject, including the Barclays Center arena, announced as Atlantic Yards in 2003 and renamed Pacific Park in 2014.
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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.
The works vary significantly in style and quality. At BAM, a separate project: a film fest from Spike Lee and Clara Wu Tsai.
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.
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?
So, why the secrecy about the project's latest Memorandum of Understanding, outlining timetables, subsidies, and more?
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.
Would there be 40% more below-market units, as per the developer? Nope. Flashback: Greenland's road not taken promised more affordable units, sooner.
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.
Is the arena the lodestone around which other borough icons radiate?
Developers claim density is in context, avoid open space question, and overstate increase in affordability. ESD still waffles on accountability.
