"Atlantic Yards will bring much-needed jobs and affordable housing to the heart of Brooklyn," says Patrick Foye, ESDC chairman, in a statement. "These measures will ensure that the project moves forward with as little disruption as possible."

The ombudsperson will inform residents of the projects status and act as a liaison between the developer, community groups and government officials. Additionally, the ESDC plans to create two multi-agency groups that will oversee the coordination of FCRC and the government agencies. Some of the agencies that will be involved include the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Buildings and the Department of Environmental Protection.

Also the ESDC will create a transportation group that will study traffic problems as construction gets under way and potential problems after the full project is created. Congestion is one of the main concerns area residents and community groups have with the project.

"As the project moves into the construction phase, we will continue to work with developer Forest City Ratner, elected officials, and our partners in city government to make sure quality of life is maintained," according to an ESDC official.

These initiatives come less than two weeks after demolition halted on the project after a part of the Ward Bakery Building collapsed. While other buildings were in the process of being razed, this building at 800 Pacific St. was not slated for demolition at the time as contractors were completing abatement on the property. FCRC halted demolition until the Department of Buildings completed a preliminary investigation into the matter, and gave permission for demolition to continue.

The halt in construction was a partial victory for residents and community groups, like Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn, since they had just failed to get a court order blocking FCRC from beginning demolition prior to an upcoming May court date.