As an Atlantic Commons resident, I am pleased to see a comprehensive argument in BrooklynSpeaks.org for modifying the Atlantic Yards development.

While we can all agree that "development" is necessary and inevitable in any city neighborhood, there is an ever-increasing need for appropriate, responsible city planning to ensure that new projects are in the best interest of the public, and not simply the most accommodating of a private developing company. This is especially true when considering such an enormous project.

Most troubling to me is the use of eminent domain to benefit private developers. While still very controversial, I can understand the need to use eminent domain for building hospitals, schools, transportation facilities, and essential public works; however, to justify claiming one private home or business only to hand it over to another, larger, wealthier private interest seems to contradict basic democratic values... and sets a disturbing precedent for future projects in this city and throughout the country.

It is interesting to note the Mayor's new PlanNYC2030 project, which advocates for affordable housing, improving the city's infrastructure and services, and more greenspaces. Forest City Ratner can make a superficial claim to support all of these areas. However, a closer look at the Atlantic Yards plan reveals an inadequate amount of affordable housing, planning for infrastructure and social services (including mass transportation, roads, schools, fire and police), and park space. I find it depressing that our Mayor can envision such a progressive concept as PlanNYC2030, yet at the same time blindly supports a private Atlantic Yards development that is so strongly opposed by our community and falls far-short of providing for the 2030 goals.

I'm pleased to see a rational dialog on this page between those that support the project (albeit grudgingly, it seems) and those that oppose. This kind of community input and communication is essential. Thank you.