Plans for the project began in 2006, when 22 acres of land in Prospect Heights were designated for development. The major part of the construction was to be on a disused train depot and tracks that belong to the Metropolitan Transit Authority. But the plan also called for use of several adjacent blocks of land that were already occupied by privately owned dwellings and businesses.
An Activist Emerges
Forest City Ratner bought out many of the owners, but there were those -- including graphic designer Daniel Goldstein -- who refused to sell, and became a very active force trying to halt the development. As their complaints and protests fell on deaf ears, community activists raised the volume on their resistance, stepping up to fight what would be a six year David and Goliath battle in New York courts of law and in the court of public opinion.
Fair Play
The filmmakers follow Goldstein quite closely, showing how his activist stance effects his personal life. Galinsky and Hawley are clearly in sympathy with Goldstein who, eventually, becomes the last hold out, refusing to move from his condo. They give him a solid platform on which to establish all of the points of his arguments against the development project, and they surround him with supportive voices from the likes of New York City Councilmember Letitia James and several local celebrity supporters, including actors Steve Buscemi, Rosie Perez and John Turturro.
But, they also give screen time to Bruce Rattner and his NY political powerhouse boosters -- New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, who declaim that Atlantic Yards is good for Brooklyn and Brooklynites because of the money it will bring into the borough.
All in all, the film is a well balanced report about a situation that is not unfamiliar to citizens in other neighborhoods across the U.S. In fact, another documentary, Megamall, covers another government approved development that was not wanted by local residents in Nyack, New York.
Battle For Brooklyn certainly points to the need for public debate about and closer monitoring of the government's evocation of eminent domain, especially in New York.
If You Like This Film, You May Also Like:
- Megamall
- Up The Yangtze
- The Eleventh Hour
- Who Killed The Electric Car?
- Crude
- Plastic Planet
- The Warriors of Quigang
- What Would Jesus Buy?
Film Details:
- Title: Battle For Brooklyn - 2011
- Directors: Michael Galinsky and Suki Hawley
- U.S. Theatrical Premiere Date: June 17, 2011 (limited)
- Running Time: 93 mins.
- MPAA Rating: Not Rated
- Parental Advisory: Content advisory for parents for content.
- Location: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Language: English
- Production Country: USA
- Production Company: RumuR Films
- Official Website
- Trailer
