Silver Votes 'Yes' On Atlantic Yards

I have been supportive of the Atlantic Yards project and put the first funding for the plan in this year's state budget. I have voted for it today because I am satisfied it meets all the necessary criteria under the PACB statute.

Furthermore, I am pleased the developer is committed to addressing numerous community concerns through several specific actions that will result in significant neighborhood improvements. Among the steps being taken by Forest City Ratner are building affordable housing, creating open space and upgrading parks, opening a community affairs office to facilitate communication between the developer and nearby residents during construction, conforming building heights to those of existing structures in the surrounding area and working with the community to build a new high-tech high school in Brooklyn.

I have also voted today in favor of funds for Advanced Micro Devices to support an initiative by this international leader in high-technology research and development that will help ensure our state's competitive edge in the global economy while creating thousands of jobs so our children and grandchildren can enjoy the career of their choice right here in New York State.

I have not supported numerous projects that were brought forward for consideration that simply were not ready for discussion. And while an MTA appraisal was made with respect to Atlantic Yards, that requirement was not honored with respect to evaluating assets in the Moynihan Station project.