SUPPORTER OF RATNER ATLANTIC YARDS PLAN

CALLS FOR MORE TIME, TRANSPARENCY

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KEEP MTA BIDS OPEN FOR 60 MORE DAYS

New York City - Today, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Queens & Brooklyn) called for more time and greater transparency in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) Atlantic Yards bid process.

Weiner is a supporter of the Ratner/Nets development.

But to make sure the City gets the best deal, Weiner today called for more time, transparency, and community input.

In a letter to MTA Chair Peter Kalikow, Weiner urged that the auction for the right to build at the Atlantic Yards be extended by 60 days.

In addition, he called for greater transparency in the bid process, and full community participation. In letters to Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff and Empire State Development Corporation Chair Charles Gargano, Weiner requested the release of any and all studies that any City agency has done on the area surrounding the yards, and asked that any public hearings on the project be delayed until the fall, to allow local residents to return from summer vacations and participate in the process.

"I support the Ratner plan," Weiner said. "But these steps would give all parties involved the time and information to make sure we get the absolute best deal and that all voices are heard."