Officials Relieved Meadowlands Mall Project Back On
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A day after word surfaced that the Jets and Giants reached an agreement with a megamall developer, officials expressed relief that the Meadowlands project is moving forward.
The New York Giants and New York Jets say they've settled legal issues with developer Triple Five regarding American Dream, the retail and entertainment complex that sits unfinished near MetLife Stadium.
A statement issued Wednesday from the teams and the developer said the settlement contains traffic and parking plans and infrastructure improvements.
Officials Relieved Meadowlands Mall Project Back On
The teams had sued the developer, claiming Triple Five didn't get their permission to expand the footprint for the mall from its original design. They sought to have the mall closed on game days to avoid traffic backups.
Triple Five countersued, accusing the teams of engaging in an illegal campaign to stop the project from being completed.
The mall was supposed to have opened in 2007.
New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority President Wayne Hasenbalg told WCBS 880's Levon Putney on Wednesday that he's glad the legal wrangling is now in the past.
"Our goal has always been to deliver a world-class sports, retail and entertainment destination," Hasenbalg said.
Hasenbalg said the next step in the project will be for Sports and Exposition Authority commissioners to approve an amendment to the Meadowlands' master plan, which potentially include a new proposal for the exterior design.
Jim Kirkos, chief executive of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce, said he thought the current plans looked all right, but either way, he's excited about the "business opportunities, growth and development (and) jobs" the project will create.
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