ESDC unveils new oversight measures for Atlantic Yards project

The Empire State Development Corporation is implementing several new initiatives to increase oversight and improve the flow of information as the Atlantic Yards project moves into the construction phase. ESDC intends to hire an Atlantic Yards ombudsperson who will work as a full-time liaison between ESDC, elected officials, community representatives and the general public. The ombudsperson will ensure that residents remain in the loop, and that community concerns receive proper attention. A key element of ESDC's initiatives also involves the establishment of two multi-agency working groups that will coordinate efforts among developer Forest City Ratner and various government agencies. The groups will regularly review slated construction work and the possible impact of that work on services. The panels will include representatives from ESDC, the developer, the Mayor's office, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the city Department of Transportation, the city Department of Buildings, the city Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies. One of the two committees held its inaugural meeting a week ago today. These initiatives will aid in the implementation of environmental mitigation steps included in the project's Final Environmental Impact Statement. "Atlantic Yards will bring much-needed jobs and affordable housing to the heart of Brooklyn," said Patrick Foye, chairman Empire State Development/Downstate. "These measures will ensure that the project moves forward with as little disruption as possible." The measures include the designation of an ESDC Atlantic Yards ombudsperson, the hiring of an owner's representative for construction activities, the creation of an interagency working group, the creation of a transportation working group, and the implementation of regular meetings with elected officials who represent the area in and around the Atlantic Yards footprint. ESDC held the first meeting with elected officials on March 16.