Nets Arena Gets Glowing Endorsement from 2 Players
BROOKLYN, New York -- The proposed $3.5 Billion redevelopment project that includes a new arena for the New Jersey Nets received glowing endorsments Wednesday from the team's two most popular players.
"You just don't know the magnitude of it until you're here and see just how big it really is,'' said point guard Jason Kidd, who along with teammate Vince Carter attended a news conference across the street from where a public hearing on the Atlantic Yards project was scheduled for later Wednesday.
"It's a wonderful thing, not just basketball-wise, but for the community to get a facelift and an upgrade in a lot of different areas where they need it,'' he added.
Kidd acknowledged that there is a possibility he might not still be playing by the time of the arena's scheduled opening in 2009. He underwent knee surgery before the 2004-2005 season and will turn 34 next March.
"I'll be 36 in three years,'' he said. ``God willing, I can be healthy. John Stockton went until he was 41. So we'll see. I would love to have the opportunity to play in that building and be a part of that atmosphere.''
The project which also features plans for apartment towers, office buildings, stores and a hotel, has drawn strong opposition from neighborhood groups who contend its too large a scale for the physical surroundings.
Supporters, including several local elected officials who attended Wednesday's news conference, have praised the project for its commitment to provide housing for low- and moderate-income residents.
Carter and Kidd both envisioned a ramped-up rivalry with the New York Knicks if the Nets move to Brooklyn. Carter also noted the urban location as a plus.
"You'd love an ideal location where the fans can come from everywhere,'' he said. ``Like when I played in Toronto, it was right downtown where everybody could get to it, and that's kind of how I see this.''
Kidd said Nets fans in New Jersey would still be able to attend games in Brooklyn via public transportation _ an option that is not currently available at the Meadowlands except on a small scale.
"It may attract a different fan base,'' he said. ``But my own opinion was what hurt the Meadowlands was that there was no way to get to the game. Imagine being able to get on the train and get to the game, then get on the train and go home.
I think that will be a plus for many people from Bergen County or anybody who lives in New Jersey to come to a game.''
