Below: FCR's press release. Note that while FCR is claiming their demolition strategy is "sustainable", the greenest buildings are those that are already built, and a truly sustainable strategy would reuse the Ward Bakery and other historic buildings in the footprint. And there is nothing sustainable about demolishing buildings to create enormous parking lots that will generate traffic and blight the surrounding neighborhoods. (For more coverage of the Ward Bakery and sustainability on Atlantic Yards Report click here and here. For our piece on the Ward Bakery, click here).

FOREST CITY RATNER TO BEGIN DEMOLITION OF FORMER WARD BREAD BAKERY

Over 75% of Building to be Recycled as Part of LEED Certification

(Brooklyn, NY) - March 22, 2007 - Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC), the developer of the Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn, today announced that abatement and demolition of 800 Pacific Street (also known as the Ward Bread Bakery building) will begin on Monday, March 26, 2007. As part of its sustainability efforts and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification process, at least 75% of the demolition debris is expected to be recycled.

"Obtaining LEED certification for Atlantic Yards is one of the highest 'green' standards we can achieve," said Bruce Ratner, President and CEO of FCRC. "Whether it is recycling building materials, using low emission vehicles or reducing storm water overflows into the Gowanus Canal by more than 2 million gallons per year, we are seeking out every possible way to make Atlantic Yards as eco-friendly and environmentally responsible as possible."

FCRC has committed to seek LEED certification for all of the buildings in Atlantic Yards, including the first ever LEED Silver certified arena, the Barclays Center. LEED certification is the Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which recognizes excellence in sustainable design and construction. As part of the demolition phase, FCRC recycles as much of the demolition waste as possible. For example, 95% of the materials in the building formerly located at 179 Flatbush Avenue were recycled.

Abatement of 800 Pacific Street, which will consist of removing hazardous substances such as asbestos, will take approximately two months. Following the abatement, the building will be demolished. It is anticipated that demolition will take approximately four months. FCRC owns the building. Gateway Demolition has been contracted to demolish the building and has subcontracted Topline Management to remove the asbestos.

In addition, abatement of a dozen buildings, which was announced earlier this month, is continuing and demolition of these buildings is expected to commence in the next few weeks. FCRC's goal is to recycle at least 75% of these buildings as well.

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