The state can use eminent domain to take property for Bruce Ratner's Atlantic Yards basketball arena, a state court judge ruled Monday, clearing the way for the controversial project to move forward.

Atlantic Yards opponents have long contended that the condemnation of land for a private sports arena would violate the law on a number of fronts, but in his March 1 ruling New York State Supreme Court Justice Abraham Gerges said their claims have no merit.

Forest City Ratner, the project's developer, had been waiting for just such a ruling to proceed with the construction of the Barclay's Center, the new basketball arena for the New Jersey Nets and the centerpiece of a vast, 22-acre redevelopment of the Prospect Heights rail yard.

At a meeting held five days before Gerges' ruling, Jane Marshall, a Forest City Ratner senior vice-president, said the company would “ramp up” construction efforts on the arena as soon as possible following a favorable court hearing.

For construction work to begin, several streets in the area must be closed.

Some elected officials are calling for a grace period to allow Prospect Heights residents time to prepare for the changes wrought by the start of a major construction project. Councilwoman Letitia James has suggested a two-week notice before the street closings take affect.

Its in unclear when the streets will be closed, or when the state will seize the property of homeowners and businesses who remain within the site's footprint. They include the popular Freddy's Bar and the home of Daniel Goldstein, a longtime Yards opponent, among others.

Marty Markowitz, the Brooklyn borough president and a vocal advocate for the development project, said in a statement that the court decision means “much-needed affordable housing, solid union jobs and permanent employment opportunities for Brooklynites can finally begin.” (Daniel Bush)