Valentine's Day at State Supreme Court

Subject: Valentine's Day at State Supreme Court

from Observer Real Estate Blog
Her Day in Court

No sports metaphors here, but Atlantic Yards opponents are saying that Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for City Councilwoman Letitia James to argue against the sweetheart deal that developer Bruce Ratner supposedly is getting--and the alleged conflicts of interest behind the push for demolishing six buildings in the project footprint.

In a development that may be even more significant, South Brooklyn Legal Services joined the crusade Tuesday. So far, there is a widespread perception that everybody who is against the project is rich, and everybody for it is poor, and SBLS' participation may change that--if only a wee bit. (<< obligatory blog snark)


and

the Daily News:
Following suit: Pols join filing against Atlantic Yards razing

Three Brooklyn elected officials yesterday joined a high-profile lawsuit to bar Bruce Ratner from demolishing six buildings in the proposed Atlantic Yards site.

"My colleagues and I stand 100% with the plaintiffs," said Councilwoman Letitia James (WFP-Prospect Heights), who filed the supporting brief with Rep. Major Owens (D-Crown Heights) and state Sen. Velmanette Montgomery (D-Fort Greene).

James, who is a lawyer and an outspoken critic of Ratner's proposal, also plans to argue the brief personally when the two sides next appear in court Feb. 14.

The move comes a day after South Brooklyn Legal Services joined the suit filed by Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn and other community groups Jan.18.

The suit also charges that the same well-connected Manhattan lawyer, David Paget, first represented Ratner, then moved to the state agency overseeing the project, where he signed off on the demolition.

A Ratner spokeswoman declined to comment on pending litigation.[/i]