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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(C)
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement
of Forest City Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries on Form S-8 (File No.33-65058)
of our report dated March 13, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedules of Forest City Enterprises, Inc.
and subsidiaries as of January 31, 1997 and 1996, and for the years ended
January 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, which report is included in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
 
                                            Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Cleveland, Ohio
April 24, 1997