This post was mentioned on Twitter by realestate_cash: Property and Politics: NYC’s Unlicensed Real Estate Agents …: With the above in mind, consider the irony of Gold… http://bit.ly/8exxhT...

And while I won’t state what’s been bought forth to be the final statement on this story, we just wanted to stimulate the
interest by traditional media outlets, who have deeper resources and better contacts to conduct investigative journalism.

As for Goldman Sachs role, they’re not the ones who sponsored the 197-A plan, but obviously a benefactor, as well as could
be one of the party’s mentioned that testified at the City Planning Commission’s public hearing in favor of the plan.

(which, in a public report, never mentions anyone or any organization by name that appeared at that public hearing)

I sure don’t want to add one more volume to “The Conspiracy Theory”, but do find the events forcing us to arrive at
an obvious conclusion…that there are parties in the “Larger Community” (whoever they might be) making decisions
about what happens our community.

I appreciate the patience you and other readers had, as this post was intended to be published on 8/11/09.

But because of the election coverage we’re engaged in and the other series we’re working on in advance of our Real Estate Investment Club debut, there just isn’t enough time in the day.

In any event, we believe opportunity exists for the long term residents to participate in opportunities like this in Bedford Stuyvesant and other communities.

It’s important to be involved from the very beginning.

If I write a piece even half of this length with less references, it could take me up to 6 hours to do the research, make sure that there are no additional or better sources, and then write, edit, and link up the piece.

To write something of this depth and breadth, this well researched, coherent and ultimately, this well done is truly admirable!! Thank you, again.

And I read every word of each of the major sources that you cited. The sources themselves were very lengthy, and just more evidence of just how much work you put into this piece.

P.S. One of the stats that I was shocked about was the one about the $669 per sf condo!

I’m not one to jump on the conspiracy theory bandwagon, but you make a pretty strong case.

Is the theory that Goldman spearheaded the whole 197 process or that they got had some connections and were able to co-opt the process?

Either way, the timing of events that you point out and the fact that Goldman, rather than Pratt, is the developer is quite interesting.

Your series points out critical reminders to our community that we need to be aware of what’s going on right before our very eyes.

And while I don’t condemn anyone stepping in to revitalize a community, my question is at what cost to the long term residents? Why our local electives chose not to focus on an urban blight that has been remiss for 30 years when housing needs have been prevalent for just as long is beyond me.

Hopefully in the near future, you can revisit this series and provide an update to Goldman Sach’s progress or lack thereof..