“In a widely anticipated legal maneuver, opponents of the Atlantic Yards project filed suit in federal court yesterday, challenging the state’s authority to use its eminent-domain powers to acquire property and make way for the $4.2 billion development near Downtown Brooklyn. The plaintiffs in the case were 10 people who the developer, Forest City Ratner, said have refused offers or resisted negotiations to buy their homes or businesses, or to be relocated to other rental apartments. The suit was filed in United States District Court in Brooklyn. The plaintiffs’ lawyers, from firms in Manhattan and Albany and from South Brooklyn Legal Services, said the use of eminent domain would be unconstitutional because it would result in the transfer of private property to a developer without the public benefit that eminent domain is intended to bestow.” (10/27/06)