Judge Herman Cahn dismissed a lawsuit alleging illegalities in the land sale for a planned $2 billion stadium, the centrepiece of New York’s bid for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
The judge found that the transportation agency that owns the land “did not act in an arbitrary and capricious manner” when it chose to sell the property to the New York Jets.
The judge also dismissed three other lawsuits brought by politicians and watchdog groups against the stadium, although he ordered the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Jets to delay their closing on the deal so Cablevision and the others can appeal.
Jay Kriegel, executive director of NYC2012 said, “the court has ruled in favour of the stadium and totally rejected all of the bogus arguments intended to stop the project. There is now no longer any reason or excuse for the PACB to delay approval of the Stadium tomorrow”.
He added, “Now is the time for the State Legislatative leaders to stand up and support New York’s and America’s Olympic bid”.
Jets President Jay Cross said he anticipated appeals, but the ruling (was) “a big, big positive step. It is absolutely great news”.
Meanwhile State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, one of three voting members on the Public Authorities Control board (PACB) that may vote on the stadium Friday, reportedly wrote a letter to International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge Thursday saying, “I will give my support to ensuring that if New York is selected, we will build a stadium and other facilities that are necessary to comply with the city’s bid proposal”.
