Daniel Goldstein Sells Out

Daniel Goldstein, the face of Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn, has agreed to move out of his condominium unit May 7 after reaching a deal with Bruce Ratner that will pay him $3 million. That's about five times what the unit cost him in 2003.  Goldstein claimed throughout six years of protest that his position on eminent domain was principled, but in the end, faced with certain eviction, he decided to take the money. The final settlement is three times what Ratner originally offered Goldstein. 

Goldstein's decision appears to clear the way for Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov to finally take control of the Nets.

"If I'm going to be forced out of my home in very quick measure, I want to be paid for it," said Goldstein. "But I would much prefer to stay in my home...I’m not an idiot. I knew this was going to happen.”

As part of the deal, Goldstein also agreed to step down from his role as the official spokesman for Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn,  to no longer “actively oppose the project:" and to withdraw from any lawsuits against the project. Goldstein was the final holdout in the six year long battle. The agreement came after three hours of negotiations with Ratner and the state Empire State Development Corp., presided over by Judge Abraham Gerges. According to one report, Goldstein initially wanted $5 million.

MaryAnne Gilmartin, Forest City Ratner's executive vice president, announced late Tuesday that the company had reached agreement with seven other holdouts, providing residents with either $85,000 or apartments in "the first new residential building at Atlantic Yards" with Ratner covering the difference in their rents during the interim. In addition, two small businesses agreed Wednesday to vacate their properties by June 30.  Neither of the businesses are critical to the construction of the arena.  Goldstein's condo sits at what will be center court at Barclays Center.

The ESDC will soon have "vacant possession" of properties needed for the arena, the final obstacle standing between Prokhorov and ownership of the Nets.  All that would be needed is a vote by the NBA Board of Governors, which is anticipated soon.

• Last Atlantic Yards hold-out Daniel Goldstein folds; makes $3M deal with Ratner to leave apartment - Erin Durkin - New York Daily News
• Holdouts' deal clears way for Nets arena in Brooklyn - John Brennan - The Record
• Last Atlantic Yards holdout cuts $3M deal to go - Rich Calder - New York Post
• Last Atlantic Yards Holdout to Leave for $3 Million - Charles V. Bagli - New York Times
• Final Atlantic Yards Holdout, Daniel Goldstein, Sells to Ratner for $3 M - Eliot Brown - New York Observer
  
• BREAKING: Last holdout accepts Ratner’s $3M! He’s out of footprint by May 7 - Andy Campbell - Brooklyn Paper
• Goldstein, Foe of Ratner, To Leave Apartment In $3 Million Deal - Raanan Geberer - Brooklyn Eagle
  
• Last Atlantic Yards Hold Out Agrees to Move - Matthew Schuerman - WNYC
• Last Atlantic Yards holdout grabs golden goodbye - Theresa Agovino - Crain's New York Business
• Goldstein settles for $3M (or less after attorney's fees), agrees to leave May 7 - Norman Oder - Atlantic Yards Report
  
• Dan Goldstein, Atlantic Yards’ Last Holdout, Steps Aside for $3 Million - Chris Rovzar - New York Magazine
• Forest City Ratner Pays Millions To Have Atlantic Yards Residents Relocate - NY1
• B'klyn Arena Holdout: 'I Don't Feel Like A Winner' - Magee Hickey - WCBS
  
• Foe of Brooklyn arena project agrees to leave - AP
• Last Pure Man in Brooklyn Sells Out - Gawker
• Last Night's Winner: The Almighty Dollar - Dashiel Bennett - Deadspin
  
• Statement From Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn Co-Founder Daniel Goldstein - Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn