De Blasio: Eminent Domain Is Needed

NEW YORK CITY-Certain projects that provide affordable housing to residents here are in the best interest of the city and require the need for eminent domain, said Bill de Blasio, New York City’s public advocate, speaking at a breakfast put on by non-profit association ABNY. He specifically pointed to the controversial mixed-use Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn being built by developer Bruce Ratner, which bought out a number of residences and building in the area and was the center of a contentious legal battle.

“I do think there’s a place for eminent domain,” de Blasio said, explaining that he is a “pro development progressive.” “When appropriate you do maximize height and density to maximize affordable housing.”

The advocate was less pleased about the closing of St. Vincent’s hospital in the West Village, and he blamed the state government for not acting to stop the act. “I’m convinced this failure didn’t need to occur,” he said.

De Blasio is also interested in building a cross-harbor tunnel for rail and freight traffic, a move he said would greatly cut down on truck traffic in Manhattan. “That’s something we should commit ourselves to not matter how difficult it may be to achieve,” he said.

Also touched on was Wall Street and how public officials should react when investment banks are accused of wrongdoing. De Blasio said instead of punishing firms with taxes and fines, government needs to push for more widespread reform.

Additionally, he said the $105 billion held by the city’s five pension funds should make more investments.