Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn) has introduced a bill to "create a subsidiary corporation for the purpose of the further planning, design, and oversight of the Atlantic Yards land use improvement and civic project." The bill has garnered support from local community groups who are concerned the project construction is going unchecked.

The GreenPearl's Brooklyn Real Estate Summit featured developers Joseph Sitt, chairman and CEO of Thor Equities, MaryAnne Gilmartin, an executive vice president of Forest City Ratner, and Andrew Kimball, CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The panel was moderated by Joan Bartolomeo, of the Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation.

Since early March, sections of Pacific Street and Fifth Avenue have been closed as a result of Nets arena construction. As a result, the area now faces high levels of gridlock, especially during rush hour. The developer of Atlantic Yards pledged to address the problem; the New York City Department of Transportation will assess the effectiveness of Forest City Ratner's actions before intervening.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission has decided to not designate four Coney Island buildings as part of a historic district because the buildings have been "too significantly altered." Preservationists approached Coney Island developer, Joseph Sitt, about saving the buildings but could not change the developer's mind.

Redevelopment of Fulton Ferry Park, in Downtown Brooklyn, has stalled as the city and state debate which entity has ownership over the area. The state maintains that the Brooklyn Bridge Development Corporation does not have ownership over Empire Fulton Ferry Park, and has just secured a long-term lease.

Columbia University will be back in court on June 1, when the state Court of Appeals hears the University's argument for their right to use eminent domain. Lawyers for Columbia University contend that the state set a precedent by allowing Forest City Ratner to use eminent domain at the Atlantic Yards site.

On Saturday May 8th, the Brooklyn Academy of Music will break ground for its new Richard B. Fisher Building at 321 Ashland Place. The new arts space will be available to local artists as well as community and cultural organizations. The festivities will take place in a block party format open to the public from 12-4pm.

Peter Williams, a real-estate mogul, is laying claim to air rights above Bruce Ratner's proposed Nets arena. Williams argues that the state failed to condemn the air rights that he owns in Prospect Heights above 24 6th Avenue. If Williams is successful in this law suit, the project can be delayed for at least another two years.

On Tuesday night, the Landmarks Commission approved the Toll Brothers proposed 10 story condo development in the DUMBO historical district, which will include 67 units. The DUMBO Neighborhood Assocation had taken issue with the building's height, which could have reached 12 stores.

Daniel Goldstein, the founder of Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn, and last property owner on the Atlantic Yards site, agreed to vacate his apartment for a $3 million settlement. Under the conditions of the agreement, he must move by May 7, 2010. Mr. Goldstein also agreed to withdraw legislation that actively opposes the project. Goldstein said the majority of funds would pay for legal feeds.