On June 3, 2025, Brooklyn Speaks, a coalition of nonprofits and community groups, protested the state's failure to enforce affordable housing commitments at Pacific Park. While the original Atlantic Yards plan promised 2,250 affordable units, only 1,373 have been built, and penalties for the shortfall have not been enforced. The Empire State Development (ESD) is focused on transferring development rights rather than holding the developer accountable. Community leaders are considering a lawsuit to compel the collection of owed penalties to fund affordable housing.
There is no justification for waiving the penalties that were imposed to ensure the completion of affordable housing. The community has been waiting for too long.
The current situation is unacceptable, and we are prepared to take legal action if necessary to ensure that the state upholds its commitments to our community.
We expect the developer to be held accountable, and the ESD cannot simply ignore the obligations established by the 2014 settlement.
As advocates for affordable housing, we find it disappointing that, despite the promises made, the community continues to be let down by the system.
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