Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park Report

Developers Express Confidence About New Designs, but Ignore Some Inconvenient Facts ( link ) Better open space design is challenged by a huge influx of residents. Constrained Site 5 would have unprecedented density, while adjacent Flatbush Ave. "is kind of a moat."

As Revised Plan Shows (Larger) Tower Dimensions and Affordability Details, State Envisions $700M in Direct Subsidies ( link ) A 37% increase in total apartments, but only 16% more affordable units. Union support and affordability criticism at advisory body meeting. Coming: Memorandum of Understanding. 

Is Jersey City's Journal Square, With Giant Towers, a Template for Parcel Opposite Arena? ( link ) Not really, because the sites are far larger. Also, watch out for wind impacts, and elevator problems. The only comparably dense projects to Atlantic Yards may be in Asia, not the U.S.

Again With Short Notice, NY State Announces an Atlantic Yards Advisory Board Meeting ( link ) ESD's Atlantic Yards Community Development Corporation will meet on June 29, with another Executive Session. Pre-meeting public comments are due by 3 pm tomorrow, though the Agenda's vague.

Latest from the Tsais' Social Justice Fund: Brooklyn Pitch Competition; $450K in Grants ( link ) Six years after George Floyd's murder, the talk is "economic mobility." The promotional image is multicultural.

From City Limits: How a 35% Affordable Housing Pledge in Brooklyn Was Torpedoed ( link ) Two towers on Atlantic Avenue, east of the Atlantic Yards site, promised special benefits in exchange for permission for extra bulk. But things changed. Also, some thoughts on (hyper)local journalism.

The Knicks Win and NYC Exults, Mostly. The Nets May Be Irrelevant Now, But How Handle a Win in BK? ( link ) Some chaos in Manhattan reminds us how Barclays is a VERY tight fit. Also, City & State's Sports package raises some questions but ignores a key one (as does Mamdani).

As Affordable Housing Baseline Continues to Rise, What Might "Low-Income" Mean in 2031? ( link ) A couple, at 60% AMI, might have to earn nearly $110,000 and pay $2,565+/month for a 1-BR in the project's next buildings. So, deeper affordability is needed.