Quick Summary:
One of the most contested new stadiums in history. It would be the new home of the Jets (currently playing in NJ) and give NFL presence on Manhattan. It would cost the city $600 million, and cost over one billion overall. Also, the city would give it sweetheart deals on land, etc. Bloomberg and his rich friends are heavily for it. It would also be connected to a new convention center, or used as one.
Perhaps most importantly to some, it is the hallmark of the NYC bid for the Olympics. Without it we have no shot.
There were TONS of ads against the stadium, pointing out we are cutting firefighters, old folks homes, police, schools, etc. (NYC has been low on cash since 9/11). However, almost all of these ads were paid by the MSG group - or Madison Square Garden. Of course Madison Square Garden would lose out with a new big neighbor - which is to be built close to it off the West Side Highway in midtown by the Hudson.
Eventually, however, it seems many (most? some? hard to tell) hate the stadium because public services are being slashed and NYC has no $$. Also, no new parking, etc. is to be built and where the hell are these people going to go? How will commutes change? Blah blah.
Very contentious here. Front page news on all the daily papers all the time. Is it for the rich? The olympics? Sports fans?
That's the deal. :)
Edit: They just put up a stage out of this trailer thing right under my window. I hope I get the protestors on my stage-- they are more fun to watch than the ralliers. :) (I work by the MTA offices).
I realize this probably isn't exciting for anyone else or outside NYC. . .
