Judge Won't Stop Arena Construction, Says Atlantic Yards Needs New EIS
by Net Income on Jul 13, 2011 2:37 PM EDT
in Brooklyn
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Although New York State Judge Marcy Friedman said the Empire State Development Corporation needed to provide a new environmental review of the overall Atlantic Yards project, she declined to stay any construction on either Barclays Center or any other upcoming phase of the $5 billion development.
No one, except for the staunchest critics, thought the judge would stop construction on the arena, now half done. It is still scheduled to open in September 2012.
Critics were spinning the decision as a victory for community groups opposed to the project. They also admitted the judge had given ESDC and Forest City Ratner, in the words of critic Norman Oder, "significant breathing room". Friedman refused to issue a stay on Phase I construction, which includes the arena and three apartment towers, or other work on the project, adding it was "premature" to issue a stay regarding Phase II, which involves more residential construction.
Critics had charged that the delay in the project's buildout, from 10 to 25 years, requires a new EIS, which Friedman has now tasked the state agency to prepare. The ESDC, Bruce Ratner's partner in the project, hasn't yet said whether it will appeal the ruling but noted, "all components of this important project will continue". Mikhail Prokhorov, who currently controls 45% of the arena, also has an option to buy up to 20% of Atlantic Yards. He's expected to decide on that option in the next few months.
- Judge rules for community groups, says state failed to study impact of 25-year buildout, but refuses to stay construction - Norman Oder - Atlantic Yards Report
- Barclays Center arena on schedule - Hunt Construction Group
- Judge Orders Further Review On Atlantic Yards Development - Kyle Thomas McGovern - New York Times
- New York court stalls second phase of Brooklyn arena project - Reuters
- Court Says State Erred in Ratner Plan Review - Eliot Brown - Wall Street Journal
- Atlantic Yards Gets (Probably) Meaningless Slap on the Wrist - Sara Polsky - Curbed New York
- Barclays Center marches on - John Brennan - Meadowland Matters
- Supreme Court judge orders new study of Atlantic Yards impact - Daniel Bush - Brooklyn Papers
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What is there to comment about
It’s happening, it’s on schedule
it’s done.
’let’s go Nets
-Say man when I was growing up we wanted a Jacuzzi, we had to fart in the tub.
you shouldnt
this is now about Phase II. Depending on the credit market and the housing market, that’s five years away. Phase I is the arena and the three apartment towers that will surround it. There aren’t even official renderings of the first of those towers.
The critics are pushing this as a victory. I guess if you had lost everything in the past, you could see this as a victory, but if NOTHING is stopped and there a right to appeal, how is it a victory. Also, the critics are short of cash and proclaiming this a victory might get them needed money to pay their lawyers.
It’s a big shrug to me.
Yeah but if there are any kind of delays then we're screwed.
It’s projected to open up in September but will probably be completely finished by when? July, August?
If there is a minor delay on anything small or big it could jeopardize the entire season. A September opening seems like it’s cutting it very close and doesn’t give much room for error. I hope everything goes according to plan, but if it doesn’t it could get really bad.
by Clayton Balch on Jul 13, 2011 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
It wouldn't
You have to remember the types that we’re dealing with here…
FCRC, Thornton T, Ellerbee Beckett, Etc….these guys are MASTERS at construction, arena construction specifically.
We’ll be there. And honestly, if the NBA had to schedule our first 10/12 games on the road, it wouldn’t be so terrible….
happened to the Devils when they moved to the Pru Center
-Say man when I was growing up we wanted a Jacuzzi, we had to fart in the tub.
I hope everything goes according to plan.
I really do.
by Clayton Balch on Jul 13, 2011 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions
what delays?
as of the last report sent to the bondholders by their construction consultant, the arena should be done by August 27. There should be a new report in the next few days.
The arena remains a month ahead of schedule according to that last report and the transit connection two months ahead.
Construction workers are doing double shifts until almost midnight and on weekends as well.
It’s hard to envision a major delay unless something catastrophic happens.
You know how construction goes.
They say project X is going to be done by X date but it ends up taking 6 more months. We almost had a labor strike. Now the judge wants new reports. Things can happen.
by Clayton Balch on Jul 13, 2011 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Well the good news now is that they are ahead of schedule.
"Dont blame me, I was given this world, I didn’t make it."
-Tupac Shakur
by NetsMets4Life on Jul 13, 2011 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions
not true in recent years
with so little construction, there hasn’t been the labor and materials shortages.
Both Prudential Center and Meadowlands Stadium were done early, Meadowlands so much so (four months) that they had to find new events to fill the gap.
True
This shows that not everything is written in stone as it seems to be. Also, it proves that there is hope afterall despite what some naysayers here have been mentioning. Even though the ruling hasn’t affected the arena, it does bring up new hearings that can affect it later on. If some of the new findings are found to be innaccurate, that can lead to a stay in construction. Let’s not forget that the documentary reguarding this has been gaining a lot of support lately, and being shown at the Traverse City Film Festival after Michael Moore, a renowned documentarian, mentioned it there can lead to more questioning on this. Hearing this latest decision makes me proud that I didn’t back down, because now, it puts me back into the playing field.
by Tal Barzilai on Jul 13, 2011 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions
it does not bring up new hearings that can affect it later on
Bull.
And by the way, Tal, the arena will be done in about a year. Check your schedule. This is July. It is expected to be done in August.
and we all know how accurate Michael Moore can be.....
which tells me right there you and your rich buddy’s cause is a scam.
"...it puts me back into the playing field."
I am surprised any critic would know what a “playing field” is, considering so many who oppose the arena have a total lack of appreciation for sports.
"Dont blame me, I was given this world, I didn’t make it."
-Tupac Shakur
by NetsMets4Life on Jul 13, 2011 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Ignorance knows no bliss
If any of you bothered to actually read what Oder wrote in his entry that is linked here, he said that it will recquire new buerracratic hurdles and new possible migitgation. However, my guess is that you didn’t bother to read it. Either way, the future is full of surprises, so it’s not that predictable. BTW, Jane Boursaw, mentions the film when coming to that festival, and highly recommended it. Despite how much you hate the film, it has gotten high ratings, and you can still see it every Wednesday until the end of the summer over at the Brooklyn Heights Cinema over at 70 Henry Street. If you have yet to see it, I suggest you do. The term being back in the playing field is an expression that is another way of saying that someone is back in the mix of things when originally down, and this has nothing to do with sports. On a side note, I am into sports, I just don’t want my taxpayer dollars going to fund their facilities when there are more important things that they should be going to.
by Tal Barzilai on Jul 13, 2011 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont care who wrote what
There is NO chance that the arena will be mitigated or whatever word you used.
It’s bull.
NO CHANCE. NO JUDGE IS GOING TO STOP A BILLION DOLLAR PROJECT THAT IS A YEAR AWAY FROM COMPLETION.
You also don’t understand the US judicial system. That ruling with its LIMITED relief for the critics can and likely will be appealed. That will take a good year or two.
It’s all propaganda.
here is what Oder wrote, Tal
She explained why she would not issue a stay; essentially, the horse has left the barn:
Although the court has determined that ESDC must prepare an SEIS, the court is unpersuaded that the Project should be invalidated and construction of the arena and other Phase I construction halted, as petitioners request, pending ESDC’s further environmental review. Phase I construction is already well under way, with completion of the arena anticipated in 2012. It is undisputed that infrastructure for the Project commenced in 2007 and is nearly complete, extensive excavation and foundation work on the arena has already been performed, work on a new subway entrance is in progress, and a temporary rail yard for the MTA has been completed, with remediation work in progress on the site of the permanent rail yard that FCRC is required to construct. Extensive public and private funds have already been committed to Phase I construction. Significantly, this is not a case in which the Project has been implemented without any prior "valid environmental review."
I've yet to fully grasp why there is so much opposition to the entire Atlantic Yards project
A place where the community can congregate and have a good time, and it gives the opportunity for thousands of jobs, a boon in this current economy. It’s all giving you publicity and attraction into the city, something I’m sure Markowitz is excited about. But quick question, what are the buildings behind the arena intended for, like pictured below?
It's a lot of things
but mainly those brownstoners, particularly on the south side of the project, think their neighborhood identities will be lost, with a new influx of traffic and congestion and outsiders.
Problem is that this is what happens in a city, particularly when a piece of property sits above the third busiest transit network in the city.
As the arena gets more and more complete, expect a lot more stories about it, not just from sports writers, but from architect critics, etc. It is going to be iconic and a major draw…and then when it is done, no one will care much about the protests. At that point as well, the reality of the arena as iconic structure, should help Ratner (and Prokhorov?) get financing a lot easier. If this moves quickly in fact today’s decision will become moot.
In short, they are still losing because the arena and Phase I are completely unaffected.
as for the buildings behind the arena
the one farthest to the right will be the apartment first tower to be built. It is expected to be 34 stories high. Designed by SHoP, the arena architect, expect it to have wow effect. Ratner has said, and he has had to back down on this schedule before, that he expects this building to break ground around the end of the year. It will be under construction when the Nets open the arena.
The other two are also apartment towers. There’s no schedule for them…or none that’s reasonable. It depends on the credit market and the housing market…and probably federal housing subsidies.
Thanks for the info
I understand your first point, and I agree with you that once the arena is built, these oppositions and criticisms we hear will be ignored. We’ll all (God willingly) see the birth of a billion dollar arena in one of the most unique boroughs in New York. Honestly cannot wait.
by JerseysFinest. on Jul 13, 2011 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions
First hand knowledge on the opposition
Since I have actually met with the opposition, I can answer why they express such a view against it. The main reason why this project has faced such opposition was placing something like this in a dense, urban area, which is normally not allowed through ULURP, which is why he got through SEQRA instead. Another one is the involvment of eminent domain and taxpayer dollars when in fact this is a private project, not a public project. As for the so-called jobs, many of them were never truly promised to locals, so if any did get something out of it, those jobs would either be temporary or minium wage. Most of the jobs will either go relocated employees or to a bunch of Chineese immigrants, but never to locals. You know something, if you have evidence that Ratner will keep his word, show it to me, but don’t use something like good faith, an echoed statement, or even a blanket statement to try to make it the only claim you need, because I have debunked a lot of them in the past as I continue to do now. Don’t try to give me that people will forget, because with that documentary, they won’t. I don’t buy into the revisionist attempt, because I didn’t buy into anything Mahmoud Abbas said about Israel on oppressing the Palestinains recently on the NY Times, so I won’t buy into whatever you guys try to say about the AY nor any politicians who suppor this. Seeing that you never attend any events really does show how much some of you are in denial on what is really going on.
by Tal Barzilai on Jul 13, 2011 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Very funny.....................NOT!
NI, you really do make Sarah Palin a genius when you say something like that.
by Tal Barzilai on Jul 13, 2011 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Other SBN blogs ban users who talk politics, especially when they are insulting a political figure, in turn causing a flame war.
Please, NetsDaily?
"Dont blame me, I was given this world, I didn’t make it."
-Tupac Shakur
by NetsMets4Life on Jul 13, 2011 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, critics have publicly referred to me
as the Leni Riefenstahl of the project, Reifenstal being the Nazi propagandist who lionized Hitler in “Triumph of the Will” So being compared with Sarah Palin pales.
I guess I will just have to live with it. Not surprising that a group so into exaggeration would compare someone who likes his team getting a new arena with a woman who helped create the Holocaust.
Carry on, Tal.
Something to understand
ULURP (Urban Land Unit Review Process) was placed in since the postwar era to help give cities a good review before just taking land arbitrairly. Making fun of that entire process does lose credibility in my book. Then again, who am I talking to hear? On so many message boards, there are those who call those hearings, NIMBY controlled, which I find to be very insulting. I dare to you to go to a hearing on that and make fun of it, and some will call you out on it or thinking that you work with the developer. The reason I said that statement is because Sarah Palin is actually dumber than you. On a side note, I have said things like this to those on the opposition, and they agreed with me on it, especially when I said that you are like a sexist who says the WNBA is bad without ever seeing a game.
by Tal Barzilai on Jul 15, 2011 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
no, Tal is boycotting it
and the new World Trade Center too because they didn’t conform to his wishes.
Lol everytime something gets built
The terrorists win.
by Gr8tness on Jul 14, 2011 1:49 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm sorry Tal
Seeing that you never attend any events really does show how much some of you are in denial on what is really going on.
I’m not BFF’s with Daniel Goldstein nor do I attend private showings of why the Barclays Center is a detriment to the city of Brooklyn. But as NI has stated, once the building is completed, NO ONE is paying attention to you and your friends what oppose this project.
if you have evidence that Ratner will keep his word, show it to me, but don’t use something like good faith, an echoed statement, or even a blanket statement to try to make it the only claim you need
Can I say that Ratner has been pushing this project for more than 6 years now, and has gained a lot of local support? Can I use this Tal?
Though the project initially produced some opposition from nearby Brooklyn Heights residents, their concerns were quickly drowned out by politicians eager for jobs.
Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, credited Ratner with “literally, over the course of almost two decades, dragging Brooklyn into the 21st century.”
“When Bruce and Forest City made a commitment to Downtown Brooklyn, there were no other private investors interested,” she said, noting that the new investment also brought funds for subways and other infrastructure.
There’s an irony, she noted, in that “the people who are now trying to close the door” on new development at the Atlantic Yards, and protect their turf, “wouldn’t have anything worth much if it wasn’t for Ratner’s investments over the years.”
by JerseysFinest. on Jul 13, 2011 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't buy that
Sorry JerseysFinest, but all you have given me is the typical talking point, but there is nothing that backs it up. Most of the events were not were not lead by the opposition, they were hosted by the state, mainly the ESDC, and I have been to many of them. Others were community board meetings. Although there have been some that were hosted by them such as the UNITY meetings, they are only a few. I don’t buy into that Real Deal article, because it is clearly biased, and like all other business newspapers, they side with developers. Also, I find that claim on local support to be a joke. The only ones I have heard supporting this that were not Ratner and his cronies were a couple of politicians and groups that he personally funds. If they didn’t have his funding, they would never back him. Everything he does with ACORN or BAM are nothing but pure PR stunts, plus BUILD was clearly a group that he created to push for his project. Don’t give me that he helps the community, because in reality, he needs to show a good image or nobody will have his support. If he really cared, where was he when some areas were in real need of developement in the 70’s? The answer was nowhere to be found. He wasn’t there then, he is not there now. Just to let you know, Oder debunked that refute not too long ago, so it’s false. Just because it’s going up doesn’t mean that the fight is over, and people will forget those who fought against, because there will always be those telling it. By your logic, we shouldn’t even be talking about the Iraq or Afghanistan Wars because a decision was already made for those. Keep in mind that there are still those talking about MSG replaced the station house of Penn Station, and that was done over 40 years ago, so yes people will be still talking about the opposition even decades later. If you just bother to see the film, all your questions asked about the opposition will be answered. On a side note, I do make two cameos in that film, so look for me.
by Tal Barzilai on Jul 13, 2011 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions
What you will never understand
Just because Brooklyn doesn’t have many prolific buildings as Manhattan doesn’t make them less important. Manhattan is about skyscrapers while Brooklyn is about historical architecture. I will not argue that the Ward Bakery doesn’t compare with the station house of Penn Station, but it still represents how the area used to look like. A lot of those buildings were once factories that were lated converted into residential property. In Brooklyn, rather than tearing down something and build something completely different, they try to reuse the very building for other purposes. This is exactly what Jane Jacobs was for, who believed in having neighborhoods grow organically rather than just try to tear it down and start over. The point, there will always be those still talking about it, but that won’t be those who were in biased support of it.
by Tal Barzilai on Jul 15, 2011 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Most of the jobs will either go relocated employees or to a bunch of Chineese immigrants, but never to locals.
I don’t think what you say is true, but if is, I heard Yi has been looking for a job.
Serving us cold Heinekens will be the closest he ever gets to an NBA court again.
by SteViePoPzBK on Jul 14, 2011 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions
That's not a lie
Please read the series where Oder gives, The Anatomy of a Shady Deal, because it’s all stated there about the EB-5 Program he is try to use.
by Tal Barzilai on Jul 15, 2011 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
my understanding is phase 1 can't be stopped by this action
the horse has already left the barn… Its phase 2 the nutnixs are going after which won’t affect the nets at all. Ratner may be nervous since right now that is mostly his project.
the judge, who can be reversed on appeal
wouldn’t even guarantee that she would stop Phase II without a new EIS, saying only that it was “premature” to issue a stay on Phase II.
Also, Prokhorov is expected to decide whether to exercise his option to acquire up to 20% of the overall project in the next few months. Reportedly, the price of the option is a pittance compared to what he could wind up with in value. He likes distressed assets. Also, wouldn’t be surprised to see him renegotiate the deal to give himself more of the arena.
Phase 3: Profit.
"Dont blame me, I was given this world, I didn’t make it."
-Tupac Shakur
by NetsMets4Life on Jul 13, 2011 5:23 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
the only thing that could slow down arena construction at this point is a terrible winter before the roof gets put on
and if I move to Brooklyn,how awesome would it be to live right next to the Barclays arena in a new apartment? sign me up. you have a target across the street,a pathmark across the street..you’re set.
MICHAEL MOORE
Let me see if I have this correct.
You’re sighting that Left-Wing Ass**** (Michael Moore) to bolster your argument? The only thing that Marxist Moron is good at is stuffing his face and honoring Hugo Chavez.
Just to let you know
Michael Moore is a very prolific documentarian who has made films that have won awards. I have never heard him honoring Hugo Chavez, but I have heard Oliver Stone saying that. Reguardless, my comment on Moore wasn’t that he helped make the film, but promoted it at a festival in his homestate. One other thing, Moore founded that very film festival. BTW, if you read the review from Jane Boursaw, who wrote about the films over at the Traverse City Film Festival, she not only recommended The Battle for Brooklyn as a must see film, but she also is on the side of the opposition and hopes that they win in the end.
by Tal Barzilai on Jul 15, 2011 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Game. Set. Match. Build!!!!
Today’s ruling was a victory for those of us in favor of the Arena. There will be no stay and therefore no chance for further delays caused by the critics. Keep on building!!!!!
by nynjlawyer on Jul 13, 2011 8:45 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Excuse me!?
If it was such a minimal relief, then both DDDB and Brooklyn Speaks wouldn’t have called this big news. The judge isn’t going to issue any stay on construction, the state would if the new mitigations disprove the old ones if one will be placed. I wouldn’t say that it’s over just yet, so put away those champagne bottles you were ready to break out.
by Tal Barzilai on Jul 15, 2011 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Is this really about the Nets
This issue isn’t as much about the Nets as it is about Ratner and AY. While judge didn’t stay construction, the plaintiffs have a legit beef, otherwise the court would have thrown out the case.
How does this effect the Nets…
Right now the Nets and the NBA as whole have bigger problems with the lockout in full swing. Should something happen to stop construction to the point that it delays the Barclays, remember that the Nets have option to pick a 3rd season Newark.
Section 2 @ the Rock
here's the problem
there is a LOT of bad information out there on how it might affect the Nets. Even one of the CRITICS today chastised the media for overwriting on the consequences.
And the judge SPECIFICALLY said she would stop the construction which the critics had asked her to do. You don’t think that’s relevant to the Nets?
Due process
If construction stops at the AY, the Nets basketball operations aren’t going to stop are they? It just delays their plans to move, they wouldn’t optioned a 3rd season in Newark if they didn’t think there was the possibility of that happening.
Section 2 @ the Rock
It's never about the Nets
The whole point of getting this project done was never about the Nets, it was about a rich man just trying to get more land with money to pocket for himself. The reason for the lawsuits was because of the fact that city review processes such as ULURP was surpassed, and the fact that much of this was done in a backroom. The only time there were hearings was after everything was made, not before it. As for the lockout, let’s just say out of wishfull thinking that it extends yet another season. This would also delay their first season in Brooklyn. What would really hurt is if the lockout stops the NBA from no longer existing, but even I know that will be unlikely. However, that will make the arena totally useless for the Nets if the league would no longer exist after the disputes keep going nowhere. I still don’t see what is the problem with keeping them in NJ where they should be. Even if the move to Brooklyn doesn’t happen in the end, I doubt that the Nets will go somewhere else such as Seattle or KC, which has always been a rumor to me. Of course this doesn’t imply that what ever was being built must be torn down, it can always be reused for something else such as being something for locals and real affordable housing with actual jobs that is provided by the UNITY Plan.
by Tal Barzilai on Jul 15, 2011 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Ratner really enjoys saying that the entire cost of Barclays is a BILLION Dollars.
He seems to expect that to be a “selling” point.
People will be curious to see this Billion Dollar arena, even though that includes the surrounding infrastructure.
What does a BILLION dollar arena buy you....
If the team on the court can’t compete. That’s one of the reasons why I never bought into the whole Brooklyn move. The arena and the location don’t change the produce on the court. It’s not like Outlaw and Petro are going magically get better once the Nets move.
But I digress…
Remember that at one point the entire cost of the Barclays was about a BILLION dollars until they did the redesign.
Section 2 @ the Rock
yes it does
particularly, if the team had spent 28 years in the worst venue in the league.
It gets you CREDIBILITY that you are willing to spend, willing to commit.
If you don’t get that, I’m sorry, but you don’t get one of the key reasons free agents change teams.
Disgree
I’ve pointed out you before that it was a poor assumption to blame that the Nets problems on there location. The Nets have seen there ups and downs, but that wouldn’t make them different than any other NBA team.
NI I respect you and you passion for the Nets, but you and I have different definitions of CREDIBILITY. In my opinion a shiny new arena doesn’t give the team CREDIBILITY. Prokhorov gives the Nets CREDIBILITY that they are willing to spend and willing to commit, not the Barclays Center.
You also seem to miss on of the fundamental reasons free agents change teams, WINNING.
Though it didn’t work out, Alonzo Mourning didn’t sign with Nets back in the day because a refurbished CAA. He signed because the Nets were a competitive team with a good shot at title. He didn’t care about the location.
Now I understand ish changes and marketing is a “part” (not a huge part) of the free agent process these days. But when it comes down to it a game changing players would rather win than look pretty on the a billboard
Section 2 @ the Rock
You can't make blanket statements like these, because this stuff isn't cut and dry
Sure Prokhorov gives the credibility of a team willing to do what it takes. BECAUSE he is paying for the Barclays. If he didn’t what would he be credible for, buying the team?
And yeah, some players move just to win, but not all of them. Some prefer a larger market. The point of this isn’t to spearhead one area, it’s to improve the team as a whole. Better arena, better staff, better players, better everything.
Barclays is a piece of the puzzle, and without it, the future of the Nets would be incomplete.
Brook-Brooks-Brookyln
LET'S DO THIS!
Philosophical Argument
Do the clothes make the man or does the man make the clothes?
Ownership makes or breaks a franchise in my opinion, not a building. Ultimately Prokhorov is paying for the mistakes that Ratner made (which is unfair to Prokhorov). He’s owned CSKA Moscow and got 2 championships as owner (CREDIBILITY). While owner of CSKA with his money could have easily built a new arena for the team, but remained in the same building. That tells me that he was more interested in the product on the court than the location they were playing. If we had a guy like Prokhorov 10 years ago we would had 3 titles already. Would we be complaining out location then, who knows?
I’m not saying that either you or NI are wrong. I just have a different perspective. I understand that it’s not cut and dry like you said. But like Killa Kadfi said a few days ago. I’m not caught up in glitz and the appeal that Yormark and Ratner hyped up Brooklyn to be because I believe that a good team starts with ownership not because of location.
You are right players do move because fame, but not everyone can be in Knicks,Lakers, Celtics, etc. in the larger markets. Some of the more successful teams are in smaller markets and they are able to attract FA’s because they are competeitive
Section 2 @ the Rock
Thank you!
I am glad you said that R-D. For the most part, when a high profile player comes to a team, it’s mostly because they want to win or because of how much they are being paid. I have hardly heard that they wanted to come just because of a new arena. If such known players that included LBJ, Camello, or even DHoward were to come to the Nets, it would be reguardless to whether the move occurs, not only if. I have never heard any of them said they would only come if the Nets move. New arenas are not magic bullets for teams or players. Personally, the Lakers didn’t need Staples Center, the Bulls didn’t need United Center, the Heat didn’t need AAA, the Mavs didn’t need AAC, and the Spurs didn’t need the AT&T Center, because they were already doing good as they were. As for the Pacers making the NBA Finals for the first time in 2000, it was because of their new arena, Conseco Fieldhouse, it was because they actually played to make it there. The Clippers have been playing at Staples Center, and they are still doing bad despite that. Overall, there is another saying that goes with this. It’s not the weapon that makes one stronger, it’s how one uses it. I say this because there will be that day where the weapon that you rely on will no longer help or protect you.
by Tal Barzilai on Jul 15, 2011 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah, that infrastructure shouldn't count
no need to include water or sewer lines, electrical lines…don’t need them.
and by the way
the cost of the infrastructure, which is financed by a loan from Prokhorov, is $76 million.
which was part of the deal to get the land so cheap
they had to do the infrastructure for the subway as well.
Did Ratner pay $1 Billion from his own company? He took advantage of the system, as any good developer would.
Nevertheless, it wouldn’t hurt if the AAA Guides, etc. list Barclays as the first Billion Dollar arena.
That makes it a top tourist site for Brooklyn, along with the nearby Williamsburg Savings Bank, Coney Island and The Aquarium.
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