Tonight’s the night! Opponents of the Atlantic Yards project plan to protest outside of the Brooklyn Museum of Art because the museum’s honoring developer Bruce Ratner. Black tie is optional (it’s not inside the museum) but, please, according to organizer Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn, bring your own pickets!
DDDB has called the museum board’s decision to honor the Forest City Ratner CEO at its annual ball, an “affront to Brooklyn communities.”
At least two members of the museum’s board have close ties to Forest City Ratner and its controversial C.E.O., the Daily News reported today, but its spokeswoman would not specify the size of Mr. Ratner’s individual charitable contributions.
The Atlantic Yards Report took a look at the Forest City Ratner Foundation’s IRS filings and learned the company donated $100,000 on July 1, 2005 and another $100,000 donation on Sept. 11, 2006 to the Brooklyn Museum of Art. "Donations from the foundation during 2007 have not yet been reported, but if the pattern has continued, the museum gained an additional $100,000," Norman Oder wrote today.
Attendees are paying between $50,000 to $75,000 for tables of 12; and $5,000 to $25,000 for smaller, non-premier seating. Kanye West is expected to perform so the benefit is sure to bring in a good amount for the museum with or without a picket line.
