Gov. Chris Christie says he currently has no power to affect the completion of the American Dream entertainment complex on Route 3, and is doubtful it will premier by the time the Meadowlands hosts the 2014 Super Bowl in East Rutherford on Feb. 2, according to a report by Bloomberg online.
“I personally can’t do anything more than what’s already been done,” the governor told the media on July 17. “We’re within a window now where I think it would be very difficult to have anything significant open in time for the Super Bowl.”
The $3.7 billion mega entertainment and retail center, in planning stages for 10 years, was the victim of the recession, as well as squabbling over traffic issues with the two nearby NFL teams, other lawsuits, and delays due to financing, labor contracts, and property control.
The project has already had three developers and two names. Four New Jersey governors have been involved with it. Christie, who had signed off on the project, originally expected the mall and sports center to open prior to the Super Bowl.
The former Xanadu project is located across from MetLife Stadium, where the New York Giants and Jets both play. The teams are suing, saying the complex will adversely affect its fans attending games. American Dream officials feel the opposite, contending it will give those fans alternative entertainment and shopping options on game days.
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