The Municipal Art Society of New York has released new architectural renderings that show the effect of changes to the Atlantic Yards project sought by developer Forest City Ratner.

Concessions in construction schedule mean FCR is obligated to build only the arena, and two or perhaps three residential buildings in phase one--a far cry from the 16 towers originally planned for both phases of the project.

The remaining areas of the site originally planned for construction in a second phase will be allowed to operate as "interim" surface parking, giving Atlantic Yards one of the largest collections of surface parking spaces in Brooklyn. The image below shows the areas intended for parking (aerial photos by Jonathan Barkey).

MAS' release of the renderings (originally covered by the New York Post) comes on the eve of public hearings on July 29 and July 30 at which the Empire State Development Corporation will seek public comment on the revised plan.

PHNDC believes the ESDC's review of the revised project plan must include updated documentation, including a new site map, and design drawings illustrating how the changed arena will be built. PHNDC has joined with other local civic organizations and elected officials to call on the ESDC to issue complete documentation on the revised project (including an updated site plan) and undertake an supplemental environmental impact study to assess impacts related to a prolonged buildout of the project, prior to approving a revised plan.