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Mattera Campaign Continues Opposition to Brooklyn Bridge Park Give-Away Mattera and supporters join protest of Bloomberg and Markowitz plans for irresponsible development
Brooklyn, NY -- October 28, 2005 -- Gloria Mattera, Green Party candidate for Brooklyn Borough President, continued to stand with communities in resistance to the give-away of the Brooklyn Bridge Park. "City and state subsidies for the Ratner Atlantic Yards development plan should be used to pay for the maintenance on Brooklyn Bridge Park," Mattera said among supporters and protestors yesterday afternoon. The plan includes 1,120 units of luxury housing, including a 30-story apartment building, which are supposed to pay for the park’s yearly maintenance. "City and state officials say the park has to pay for itself. Shouldn’t Bruce Ratner have to pay for his development plan instead of cashing in on it? The one billion saved could be used to support parks, public schools and affordable housing, not the lifestyles of a wealthy few." Some of the subsidies and hidden costs of Ratner’s Atlantic Yards plan: -- $114 million from MTA for bid less than half the appraised value of Atlantic Rail Yards -- $200 million initial capital contribution from city and state -- $360 million 30-year property tax exemption ($1 billion if lease runs 99-year term) -- $250 million for public operating expenses including fire, police, sanitation, and schools -- $500 million tax-exempt and taxed bonding for construction of the arena -- loss of private homes by eminent domain and displacement of thousands of nearby residents by increased rents -- loss of several city streets -- costs for accommodating 10,000 new residents, 10,000 new workers, 57,000 new subway riders, and 23,000 more auto trips per day -- costs for treating additional asthma and respiratory cases resulting from increased air pollution "Mayor Bloomberg and Marty Markowitz have abandoned their responsibility to serve city residents by catering to the needs of corporate developers and wealthy real estate interests. The Green Party offers the only alternative to voters who desire an affordable, equitable, sustainable city," added Mattera. Mattera’s campaign submitted nearly $55,000 for city matching funds earlier this week. When approved by the City Finance Board, the campaign will be receiving over $200,000 in matching funds.
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