A federal judge has heard the first arguments in the Atlantic Yards development case. Some Brooklyn residents are trying to halt the plan, while the developer is trying to get the suit thrown out. Attorneys representing developer Forest City Ratner argued that the Atlantic Yards project will benefit the public, bringing in new housing, jobs and money. However, property owners like Janet Skinner, of Clinton Hill, are still doubtful. Skinner and others are upset that the government will be able to use eminent domain to seize property for the project. Forest City Ratner's lawyers are asking the judge to throw out the eminent domain lawsuit. They claim that it's still too early for residents to bring eminent domain grievances to the court. The judge will decide that procedural issue with the rest of the case.

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