I am a resident of Dean Street in Prospect Heights, less than a block from the border of the proposed Atlantic Yards site. I have a couple of comments/corrections to your editorial “Review and Comment — Us Against Ourselves� published on October 14. 1. “...eminent domain (which affects a small handful of people for a 22-acre project)�

Although technically true that the exercise of eminent domain for Atlantic Yards would directly affect only those who currently own property or live within the proposed project’s footprint, as a matter of precedent, if the use of eminent domain is allowed, it would put the private property of all New Yorkers in jeopardy. I would guess that if it were your home that was being threatened by an economic development project that promised more tax revenue or a subjective public “benefit,� your opinion on this matter would be different. I think that the use of eminent domain for purposes other than explicit public uses is a very slippery slope that leaves it wide open for subjective interpretation of what constitutes a public benefit, at best, and fraud and corruption in the worst case.

2. “...impact of scale on brownstone neighborhoods (which in fact don’t abut the site)�

This is false. The newly created Prospect Heights Historic District directly abuts the Atlantic Yards footprint. Brownstones and low-rise townhouses directly abut this site on Carlton Avenue, between Pacific and Dean Streets; on the intersection of Carlton Avenue south of Dean Street; on Dean Street, between Flatbush and 6th Avenues; on Dean Street, between Carlton and Vanderbilt Avenues; and on Vanderbilt Avenue between Dean and Pacific Streets.

Tracy Collins

Dean Street, Prospect Heights

Editor’s Note:

1) On eminent domain, we’ll see how the Court of Appeals rules.

2) Yes, there is even a little group of former townhouses on Dean Street indicated for preservation within the Atlantic Yards footprint. However, on the south side of Dean Street, which would not be affected by shadows, there are a firehouse, open yard area and commercial establishments. The point is that the project’s impact on residential areas has been greatly exaggerated, and neighborhoods like Fort Greene, Boerum Hill, Park Slope and Cobble Hill (all of which have raised alarms) are separated from Atlantic Yards by commercial blocks and distance.

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