DailyHeights

The News Interview: Bruce Ratner

“Opponents of your plan complain that you are using the threat of eminent domain – forced acquisition of property by government – to make the project work.”

“We’ve already privately acquired a very substantial portion of the site, and given everybody on the site the opportunity either to relocate or make a fair amount of money above what they originally paid. Most people have taken that option, so we don’t have to depend to any great extent on eminent domain.”

“How does the arena project fit into the overall development of the borough?”

“All the outer boroughs live in the shadow of Manhattan, but Brooklyn has the best chance of escaping that because we have our own brand. Bringing a team to Brooklyn will enhance that brand and give people civic pride, but we have to keep pushing and promoting. Look, I’m not from Brooklyn, I’m from Ohio – but I chose Brooklyn. One of the biggest compliments I was ever paid came when Howard Golden, the former borough president, introduced me to an audience as born and raised in Brooklyn.“