BROOKLYN, NY - The sponsors of the Brooklynspeaks.net campaign today thanked the State for halting work on the Atlantic Yards site, but joined Brooklyn elected officials in calling on Governor Spitzer not to permit work to resume until meaningful public oversight of the project has been established and a framework for addressing community concerns has been created.

“We’re relieved that the State has halted work on the Atlantic Yards site in light of yesterday’s accident. But halting demolition alone does not go far enough. Work must not resume until an oversight mechanism for construction has been established.” said Michelle de la Uz, Executive Director of the Fifth Avenue Committee. “The level of oversight and accountability needs to be proportionate to the scale and potential impact of this enormous project.”

Yesterday’s accident was the latest in a series of major incidents that have occurred without meaningful public oversight in place. In February, water was cut off on Dean Street after an incident involving pre-demolition work on pipes. At the beginning of April, neighborhood residents noticed potentially asbestos-laden debris falling on a nearby building. Despite informing both the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Buildings, no meaningful steps were taken by the City or State to address the issue, such as sampling or testing of the debris to check for asbestos content.

Neighborhood residents have also complained that the developer-sponsored “Community Liaison Office” has not provided useful information.

“It’s unacceptable that local residents currently have nowhere to go to find out what’s happening on this project.” said Peter Krashes, nearby resident and member of the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council.

Community group leaders also stated that the lack of meaningful public involvement in the project has been present from the beginning.

“The current plan to demolish the Ward Bakery and other structures to provide over 8 acres of surface parking for 1600 cars that will be with us for decades is deeply troubling. This kind of poor planning is the direct result of the public not being involved in the decision-making for this project.” Said Jo Anne Simon, District Leader for the 52nd Assembly District.

“Governor Spitzer needs to step in and ensure that community concerns are meaningfully addressed. Wasn’t everything supposed to change on Day One?” said the Reverend Clinton Miller of Brown Memorial Baptist Church.

The BrooklynSpeaks.net campaign was initiated in September 2006 to provide a platform for New Yorkers to push for major changes to the Atlantic Yards project. The campaign was organized by Atlantic Avenue LDC, Boerum Hill Association, Brooklyn Heights Association, Fifth Avenue Committee, Municipal Art Society, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Park Slope Civic Council, Pratt Area Community Council, Project for Public Spaces, Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council and the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.