Downsizing Ratner

Crain's is speculating that Extell's offer for the MTA rail-yards in Brooklyn will force Forest City Ratner Companies to lower the height of the 17 towers in its plan, one of which is supposed to reach 600 feet.

Meanwhile, The New York Times editorial board tsk-tsks both developers for not divulging the juicy details, like price, even before the M.T.A. does.

What is the Times looking for, a leak? That's how Cablevision and the Jets handled their bids for the West Side. The only trouble was the leaks told only half the story.

An MTA spokesman tells The Real Estate it will release details of the two offers once it briefs its board members--maybe as soon as this week.

--Matthew Schuerman