1
                                                                   Exhibit 23(A)

                       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-3 (File No. 333-22695)
of our report dated March 11, 1998, except for Notes F, G and Q as to which the
date is April 20, 1998, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements
and financial statement schedules of Forest City Enterprises, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of January 31, 1998 and 1997, and for the years ended January
31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, which report is included in this Annual Report of Form
10-K.


                                             Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

Cleveland, Ohio
April 28, 1998