Opponents Disappointed With Atlantic Yards Decision

New York, NY —

Opponents of Brooklyn's Atlantic Yards projects were hoping Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver would quash the mega-development project. But this time, Silver went with the developers. WNYC's Elaine Rivera reports.

Neighborhood coalitions against the Atlantic Yards project had placed their faith in the powerful Assembly speaker. Silver had been responsible for nixing the West Side stadium and postponing the start of the Moynihan train station - both in Manhattan. And until the last day, Silver looked like he might do in the Forest City Ratner development project.

But in the end, Silver along with the two other necessary votes from Gov. George Pataki and Majority Leader Joe Bruno supported it. Silver said he was finally satisfied with the financial audit by independent consulting firm. He said the project would bring jobs and stimulate Brooklyn's economy. Opponents say they are disappointed with Silver.

But they say they will continue with the pending federal and state lawsuits to stop construction. For WNYC, I'm Elaine Rivera.