NEW YORK, NY November 15, 2006 —The head of the state agency that finalized the environmental impact statement for the controversial Atlantic Yards project says the development will be a boost for Brooklyn.

REPORTER: Several community groups have raised concerns that the mega-development, which calls for the construction of several high rises and a sports arena, will hurt their neighborhoods.

But Charles Gargano, who heads the Empire State Development Corporation, says the board has addressed the concerns raised by opposing residents. He says all the boroughs should benefit from the types of development that Manhattan has experienced.

GARGANO: Similarly, we want Brooklyn to benefit. We had Metro Tech which was a very good beginning and that should continue - Brooklyn is a very significant borough and any new kind of economic stimulant that we can help there certainly is a good thing.

REPORTER: However, Daniel Goldstein of Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn, said they are proceeding with a lawsuit to halt the construction of the development.