Atlantic Yards foes rage at Brooklyn Museum over Bruce Ratner honor

[Trainspotter]

Atlantic Yards foes rage at Brooklyn Museum over Bruce Ratner honor

Atlantic Yards critics blasted the city-funded museum, saying it was wrong to honor a developer whose arena and residential project has been criticized for its size, the seizure of private property and its use of taxpayer money.

 

"A museum should be a good neighbor to its community," said Brooklyn resident Michael White, who spearheaded a petition that has netted nearly 100 signatures from outraged Brooklynites. "You cannot be a good neighbor by promoting the activities of someone who is a bad neighbor."

 

The glitzy event, expected to feature rapper Kanye West, has prompted a protest tonight outside the museum.

 

Ratner spokesman Loren Riegelhaupt touted the developer's longstanding civic and arts involvement in the borough, starting with his stint as Brooklyn Academy of Music chairman and his service on other arts groups.

 

Full story: - April 3, 2008