Notes: click on image for text
Our coalition looked beyond the introduction of the arena to our neighborhoods and focused instead on pressing for a public
role in decision-making. By the time of its groundbreaking, the developer and State of New York had skipped a required environmental review that was critical for us in order for them to beat a deadline for tax-exempt federal bonds. Ultimately, we sued the state and won. But on this day, staged for the media, many of us joined arena opponents in a protest aimed at providing a counterpoint. We must have been successful because the police encircled us with plastic fencing and ushered us away.
Separation and marginalization are key tools used by some real estate developers, elected officials, and government agencies. Those in a position to mediate and organize information create opportunities for themselves and are better able to manage decision- making. Atlantic Yards / Pacific Park is a state project, and it is difficult for community members to reach the ear of a governor.
Peter Krashes
Block Party, 2017
James Gallery, Center for the Humanities, The Graduate Center, CUNY
