LASER DISS: Some Brooklynites are incensed by the Barclays Center’s laser beam hitting the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument. (Photos: Atlantic Yards Report)
LASER DISS: Some Brooklynites are incensed by the Barclays Center’s laser beam hitting the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument. (Atlantic Yards Report)
Watch where you point that thing!
A multicolored laser beaming from atop the Barclays Center is outraging patriotic Brooklynites, recoiling at the crass light striking the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument — the largest Revolutionary War burial site in the nation.
“There are civilian and military dead buried there,” said Ruth Goldstein, founding chairwoman of the Fort Greene Park Conservancy.
“Anything that distracts from that should not be allowed. You wouldn’t want to see a laser on the Vietnam Monument in Washington.”
The Fort Greene Park landmark honors 11,500 POWs who died during the American Revolution.
The beamers marked the grand opening of the arena, lighting up the Brooklyn skyline Friday night at midnight after rapper Jay-Z’s concert. But local pols weren’t celebrating the light show.
“I’ve asked the managers of the arena and Forest City Ratner to cease and desist from using the beamers, particularly directing them toward the monument,” said City Councilwoman Letitia James.
“They said they are taking it into consideration and getting back to me.”
The two rotating beams of light were on display only for the opening weekend and will not be a permanent fixture of the arena, said spokesman Barry Baum.
“We received the proper permits from the FAA, and we are delighted to celebrate the opening of Barclays Center,” said Baum.