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Press Release:

BROOKLYN, MAY 3, 2008 — Around 400 people came together today in the footprint of the stalled Atlantic Yards project. During the afternoon of protest, music and speeches, they cheered and chanted as local elected officials joined with three community coalitions demanding that Governor David Paterson call a Time Out on Atlantic Yards.

The rally called on the Governor to suspend demolitions, displacement of residents and businesses, infrastructure disruptions and further subsidies to the project so that changes to the project can be assessed and a new plan prepared with community involvement. Officials speaking at the rally included NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery, NYS Assemblywoman Joan Millman, NYS Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, and NYC Councilmembers Letitia James, David Yassky, and Tony Avella. NYS Assemblyman Jim Brennan and NYC Councilmember Bill de Blasio had previous commitments but sent statements.