By Ariella CohenThe Brooklyn Paper
Bruce Ratner’s Atlantic Yards project would cast such long shadows that the architect of a housing complex being built across the street has scraped a plan to heat his building with solar power.
“It’s just not an option for a building that will be in substantial shade all year round,” said Magnis Magnusson, who is designing the 80-unit “Atlantic Terrace” building that will rise next year on Atlantic Avenue at South Portland Street — across the street from Ratner’s proposed 16-tower mega-development.
Magnusson, who is working with the non-profit Fifth Avenue Committee development group, said he harbored his green dream until the state approved Ratner’s 30- to 50-story towers this winter.
“If the towers had been reduced to 20 or 25 stories, it would have been possible,” he said.
Environmental impact studies for Atlantic Yards predicted that Ratner’s project would cast shadows “for most of the … day” during the spring and fall, and through the afternoon in the summer. In the winter months, light will be “severely” diminished.
Forest City Ratner did not return a call for comment.
