Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Governor George Pataki made critical last minute phone calls to MTA officials to help get Bruce Ratner exclusive development rights for Brooklyn's Atlantic Yards, site of Ratner's new Nets arena and $3.5 billion mini-city. MTA approval is critical to Ratner. If his bid is accepted, the state legislature and city council will have no role in development decisions. Ratner already has signed agreements with key boards set up by Bloomberg and Pataki.
- Full Court Press on MTA Deal - David Seifman - New York Post
- Down to the Wire for MTA Decision on Atlantic Yards? - Sarah Ryley - Brooklyn Daily Eagle