Some Residents Fear Sidewalks Won't Be Able To Handle Crowds From Barclays Center
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- When 18,000 spectators pour out of a Nets game at the new Barclays Center, the sidewalks in downtown Brooklyn won't be able to contain the crowds, advocates claim.
A report by the Atlantic Yards Watch found 86 percent of the sidewalks are narrower than the state originally claimed when the Atlantic Yards project got started.
"On Dean Street between Sixth and Carlton Avenues the sidewalk was assessed to be an effective width of 10.5 feet but it's really got an effective width of 3.5 feet," Peter Krashes, of Atlantic Yards Watch, said.
Some are concerned crowds will spill into the streets posing a safety hazard and further tying up traffic in an area already jammed with cars and cabs.
"If you go to other arenas you can see how people react when sidewalks aren't big enough, they go into the street," resident David Goldstein said. "That's a safety issue."
Barclays will play host to major concerts, hockey games and fashion shows soon after it opens.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the arena will create 2,000 jobs.
Jay-Z will christen the building on Sept. 28.
A preseason match-up between the New York Islanders and the New Jersey Devils on October 2 will mark the first major sporting event at the new venue.
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