EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - The developer of a megamall at
the Meadowlands sports complex signed a union agreement Monday to jumpstart
work on the long-delayed project, then addressed the question on the minds of
anyone who has driven past the pastel-hued monstrosity: Will something be done
about the exterior Gov. Chris Christie said made the complex "the ugliest
damn building in New Jersey and maybe America"?
The governor "was far from alone," said Paul
Ghermezian, senior vice president for mall developer Triple Five.
"It's no secret the facade is ugly," Ghermezian
said to chuckles from the audience made up mostly of union workers. "We
got your tweets, we got your emails, some people managed to get my cell number
and texted me directly."
Triple Five, which counts among its properties the Mall of
America in Minnesota, recently gained approval from the New Jersey Sports and
Exposition Authority for a revamped exterior that replaces the odd mishmash of
colored panels with a cleaner design that emphasizes an outdoor look,
Ghermezian said. In some areas the complex will feature 80-foot-high glass
exteriors.
The $2 billion project featuring a waterpark, Hollywood-themed
amusement park, retail and dining is scheduled to be completed in the fall of
2016 and is projected to create 9,000 to 10,000 construction jobs, according to
Rick Sabato, head of the Bergen County Building and Construction Trades
Council.
"I'm glad we have been able to work through what has
been a really long, arduous and at time maddening process to get to this
day," Christie said. "But it's all about the result, and the result
is going to be good for the working men and women of New Jersey."
Jettisoning the quirky exterior will symbolize a new phase
for a project that was approved more than 10 years ago but fell prey to the
economic downturn and problems with various developers. Originally known as
Xanadu, it was scheduled to open in 2007 but languished for years, partially
built, until Triple Five took it over at the end of 2010.
From there it hit more roadblocks. The New York Jets and New
York Giants, owners of adjacent MetLife Stadium, sued the developer in 2012,
claiming Triple Five didn't get their permission - as required under an earlier
agreement - to expand the footprint for the mall from its original design. They
also sought to have the mall closed on game days to avoid traffic backups.
Triple Five countersued, accusing the teams of engaging in
an illegal campaign to stop the project from being completed.
The parties announced a settlement last month but didn't
provide specific details. Tony Armlin, Triple Five's vice president for
development and construction, said Monday the complex definitely will be on
open on game days thanks to a new traffic-management and parking plan.
No representatives of the teams were introduced or mentioned
at the news conference, and a spokeswoman for the teams didn't immediately
return a message seeking comment.
Source: Philly.com
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