DDDB sent me a link to some pictures from Saturday's "Put Up or Shut Up Ratner" Rally (as I call it). Once again, I am struck at the politicians that have come together to oppose Ratner.

The iconic picture for me is Chris Owens and David Yassky, on the same stage to demand accountability in all aspects of the Atlantic Yards project:

How times have changed since 2006. And Ratner brought them together.

This picture gives a good impression of the turnout:

Though I think this might be facing only one way from the stage and so show about half the crowd. A was the far end of the crowd in this picture, so I couldn't see to the other end. This seems to give an impression of the crowd facing the other way:

Not a bad turnout for a dreary Saturday.

Today was the rally calling for Bruce Ratner to put up or shut up. Brooklyn is getting tired of Ratner making promises then breaking those promises even as he demands more taxpayer money. The rally was well attended, though we came slightly late and were way at the back, so didn't really see the whole crowd.

Chris Owens, President of Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats and Brooklyn Progressive Activist, led the rally. Three groups organized the rally: Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn, The Council of Brooklyn Neighborhoods, and Brooklyn Speaks. MANY local politicians attended, including some who had previously been pretty solidly behind Ratner. Ratner has worn out his welcome even among his supporters.

Here are some excerpts from the press release from the three organizing groups:

Not too long ago I highlighted some ideas I had regarding the role of biofuels in a sane American energy plan that could wean us off oil. Biofuels are controversial and are a minefield of problems. But, there are definitely very sane, smart and viable biofuel options that need to be considered as part of America's energy policy. The diary I mention above discusses several options I think need consideration.

Seems Councilmembers Letitia James and David Yassky are teaming up to oppose the massive tax giveaways to developer Bruce Ratner. Here's the press release:

[Councilmembers] Yassky and James to Proposed Atlantic Yards Amendment to MSG Tax Resolution

Today at the Finance Committee hearing, the committee will review and vote on Proposed Resolution 90, which asks the State of New York to end the twenty-year-old property tax exemption for Madison Square Garden. If the Council thinks subsidizing MSG is a bad deal fort the City and State, they should take another look at the tax breaks and subsidies being offered to the proposed Atlantic Yards Development: they are even worse.

I have been thinking about biofuels recently. I think it has been on my mind thanks to a recent car rental experience Joy and I had in California, and thanks to a proposal my City Councilman is making that would over time require all heating oil in New York City to eventually be B20 biodiesel.

Biofuels are in one way the easiest alternative to oil-based fuels for transportation and heating purposes. This is because, depending on the biofuel, it requires the least change in our infrastructure and the manufacturing process of our cars and heating systems. For example, up to B20 biodiesel, any diesel car or boiler system can run on a biodiesel/traditional mix with no modification. The modifications to use B100 biodiesel are relatively minor and could be incorporated over time. My understanding is that ethanol based fuels also can be used in mixtures with traditional fuels with no modification, and only minor modifications are needed for pure biofuel. So, in terms of conversion to a new fuel, biofuels are the easiest compared with, for example, electric or hydrogen cars.

Parking is always an issue in NYC. And I am sure you would like a chance to hear what's going on and to speak out to your elected officials about parking. If you live in Brooklyn, there is a forum on Residential parking you might be interested in:

RESIDENTIAL PARKING FORUM
with NYC Department of Transportation
(Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan scheduled)

Monday, February 4, 2008, 7:00 PM
St. Francis College Auditorium
Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights
Subway: 2,3,4,5 (Borough Hall); R (Court Street)

Organized by:

Council Members David Yassky, Letitia James, Bill DeBlasio
Boerum Hill Association, Brooklyn Heights Association, Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association, Clinton Hill Association, Cobble Hill Association, Concord Village, Fort Greene Association, Park Slope Civic Council, Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council

Can reading a 106 page legal decision make you feel great? It can, if you pick and choose. I suggest you read the long, but well organized and reasoned opinion by US District Judge Victor Marrero, striking down a portion of the “Patriot Act”. At stake here were National Security Letters issued – without warrant – by the FBI seeking customer records from libraries, telephone carriers or internet service providers. Recipients of such letters cannot tell that they have received them, so the Plaintiff here is anonymously “John Doe.” Courts in NY and Connecticut had struck down previous FBI use of these letters and Congress had cravenly strengthened the provisions in response. The best discussion of these issues that I’ve seen has been by Jeralyn at Firedoglake .

The Washington Post story is here and the NY Times story is here. .

Last night was CBID's annual dinner at the Montauk Club. My wife (an officer of CBID) and I went, having gotten babysitting for our baby. For those scandalized by my rubbing shoulders with party bigwigs at Cipriani and enjoying the music and food, well tough. Personally I liked the Montauk Club better than Cipriani, though the creepy, ghost-like Native Americans portrayed in relief on the walls, and the half-statue of a Negro (word used intentionally with all its racist connotations) banjo player on the landing halfway up to the second floor were a bit disconcerting, but the building is from a different time. And it is a very striking building, both inside and outside. The Montauk club is one of the more beautiful buildings in Brooklyn.

And the food was quite good. Chicken breasts that were mass produced for a large crowd but still moist and flavorful, vegetables that were not overcooked, and potatoes that, if a bit salty, were still quite good. Only the cake and coffee were dreadful. Everything else was good. Not as good as Cipriani, of course, but quite good.

Though it has not been finalized yet the Campaign Finance Board is preparing for another special election in the 40th City Council District. Eugene has yet to cooperate with the City Council by handing over documents and the rally at City Hall is still on for today to demand Speaker Quinn to swear him in.

The Campaign Finance Board has this to say about the whole situation:

http://www.nyccfb.info/program_law/cflaw/ao/AO_2007_2.htm

As Eugene fights for his seat I find it interesting Yvette is backing him though the same reason why he is being held up on his swear in is the same reason she felt Yassky could not be the Congressman on the 11th CD.

Here is a blurb from a interview on Channel 4 with Jay DeRapper during the race last summer:

DeDAPPER: Yvette, you've been in the city council, too. You've worked on many of these issues.

Ms. CLARK: That's right.

DeDAPPER: You ran against Major Owens last time...

Ms. CLARK: Yes, I did.

DeDAPPER: ...and you lost.

Ms. CLARK: Yes, I did.

DeDAPPER: Should this seat be held by an African-American to represent--or not even necessarily an African-American, someone of color--to represent the people in this district, the majority of the people in this district, who are people of color?

Ms. CLARK: And clearly that is a decision that the voters will make. We have the candidates in this race, and they're seated here today. I think what's most important is that the voters look at authentic representation. Those who have fought...

DeDAPPER: What does--what does that--what does that mean?

Ms. CLARK: When I say authentic...

DeDAPPER: Because that sounds like--that sounds like a code word.