Dear Editor:
Let me see if I understand this proposed Newark arena deal: The current Continental Arena, not antiquated since it was built only in 1981 (for $85 million), has a NBA team that went to the title series, a NHL team, arena football, college basketball and house concerts. It has parking for 26 thousand cars, is adjacent to, or close by Routes 17, 3, Garden SP, NJ Turnpike and Route 80. NYC’s Port Authority runs buses to these events; a 20-minute ride and in the near future, it will be closely linked to the HB Light Rail. With all of this going for it, the owners of the Nets and the Devils threaten to leave NJ if they don’t get a new arena built in Newark. As a lifelong sports fan, I say to them, Leave!
I also have learned that the Democrats, who I vote for most of the time, are in favor this baldly conceived idea.
Taking a perfectly good, perfectly situated, well-used area, located and furnished with a transportation locale most urban areas would be envious of, leads me to believe that this is the most blatant bit of fat cat/pol scheming that I’ve observed in 20 years of living in this area.
Boys, your sleaze is showing big time!
Aristides Pappidas