Sobering thoughts about the arena. I remember when, a long time ago, AP had all its hopes in one or two baskets (gambling, Jai alai, etc.). Hope we stay on track with a "holistic" approach as mentioned in this article. Adapted from Newark Arena's Economic Impact Unclear - New York Times <http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/04arenanj.h\ tml?_r=1&oref=slogin> Heard it before. It's going to rejuvenate the area! This will be the key to revitalizing the city! The problem is that the arguments don't fly. Less optimistic about the arena's prospects as an economic engine: It really hasn't played out favorably in many cities.
Skeptic...looked at salaries and the number of jobs in the area before and after.... Some benefit if the project is integrated with things like residential housing and retail stores and coordinated into "a complete local redevelopment plan." Officials insist that they do have a holistic plan: Two developers are close to signing deals to bring hotels to the area, and Mayor Cory A. Booker <http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/cory_booke\ r/index.html?inline=nyt-per> wants to ensure that the jobs there are filled by local union members. The city is changing zoning laws to make it easier for developers to turn abandoned commercial property into residential units. Streetscape improvements...lure businesses and make loans to existing or relocating small, minority-owned companies. ========================================== Skeptics, good. Cynics, not so good. Vote today.
