If it looks like construction, sounds like construction and money is spent on construction, then it’s a good bet that the Barclays Center arena at the Atlantic/Flatbush avenues intersection is already under construction.
The start of construction on the arena that will bring Brooklyn its first major sports franchise (the NBA’s Nets) since the Dodgers left Brooklyn following the 1957 baseball season was also confirmed by sources close to developer Forest City Ratner (FCR).
“We’re in the process of setting up a ceremonial groundbreaking, but we’ve already begun the work,” said sources.
That work has begun is particularly obvious to anyone who goes near the intersection where the arena and 22-acre Atlantic Yards project is slated.
Besides signage, a truss has been erected and workers are busy with infrastructure sewer and pipeline work.
As first reported locally by anti-project blogger Norman Oder in his Atlantic Yards Report, developer Forest City Ratner has also purchased $50 million worth of steel from Virgina-based Banker Steel for the arena.
Sources close to the project said the money bought 9,600 tons of steel, and the Virgina-based newspaper covering the story stated that the contract will allow Banker Steel to hire 50 more people
Meanwhile, the Empire State Development Corporation, the lead government agency on the project, announced street closings as per the General Project Plan and Modified Project Plan.
Effective on or around Feb. 1, sections of both Fifth Avenue and Pacific Street will be permanently closed.
This includes Fifth Avenue between Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues; and Pacific Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and between Vanderbilt and Carlton Avenues.
Local and emergency vehicle access will be maintained as needed.
Upon closure, northbound traffic on Fifth Avenue can use Flatbush Avenue or Sixth Avenue to continue north; southbound traffic can use Sixth Avenue.
Eastbound traffic on Pacific Street can use Dean Street and westbound traffic can use Bergen Street.
To facilitate vehicle circulation, Sixth Avenue (between Flatbush Avenue and Pacific Street) and the block of
Carlton Avenue (between Dean and Pacific Streets) will become two-way.
These changes necessitate the removal of the Cobble Hill-bound B63 bus stop on Fifth Avenue, between Pacific Street and Atlantic Avenue. Passengers can use existing bus stops on Fifth Avenue (at Bergen Street) and on
Atlantic Avenue (at Fourth Avenue).
Advisory signs will be posted in advance of the closures and detour signs will be posted during the work. Traffic agents will be assigned to facilitate the flow of traffic and pedestrians.
Questions relating to this project may be addressed to: Atlantic Yards Community Liaison Office Empire StateDevelopment Corporation, (866) 923-5315, or the office of the Atlantic Yards Ombudsman at communityliaison@atlanticyards.com (or by calling 212) 803-3233.
