On Monday, July 18, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Assemblyman Roger Green joined ACORN, BUILD, and other parties to the Atlantic Yards Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) to announce further community and political support for the project.

“In years to come, people will not know our names,” Markowitz said. “They will not know the names of the developers, but they will know of the benefits of this project. Hundreds of thousands will benefit from safe, affordable housing and new jobs. We will move ahead on this project with respect to the community of which it will be a part.”

Leaders from both ACORN and BUILD showed their support. Other speakers at the event included Assemblyman Nick Perry, Councilwoman Yvette Clarke, Reverend Herbert D. Daughtry, Executive Director Bertha Lewis of New York ACORN, and Reverend A. R. Bernard from the Christian Cultural Center.

Provisions of the CBA included hiring priorities for residents of nearby public housing and set asides for low income minorities and women workers and contractors. In addition to 50% of rental units set aside for low and middle income residents, the CBA provides for a community center, on-site medical facilities, community pricing for arena tickets, and many other amenities. The developer has also made a commitment to building with union labor.