The developers of a proposed mall at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey are fighting back against the New York Jets and New York Giants after the teams combined to file an injunction to halt construction of the facility.
According to John Brennan of the Bergen Record, Triple Five, the developer of the project, sued the Jets and Giants in New Jersey Superior Court on Tuesday. The suit comes after the teams filed an injunction to keep the project from progressing. Construction on the facility has been delayed since 2009. However, Triple Five has attempted to revive the project before meeting opposition from the teams.
They are now seeking damages in the case due to “an ongoing campaign to delay, thwart, and ultimately prevent this project from ever opening.”
The Jets and Giants complaint centers around a clause in their agreement with the complex that gives them veto power over changes to the site that could affect the game-day experience. Despite Bergen County laws that prohibit most retail shopping on Sundays, the teams are worried about the impact the site will have on game days.
Meanwhile, Triple Five believes the teams are short-sighted for putting their 20 home dates a year over the job opportunities the businesses would create.
“We are excited with the project’s recent progress and our vision in completing a world-class entertainment and retail destination,” said American Dream President Paul Ghermezian, in a statement. “We have exhausted our patience and tolerance for the interference and feel that we have to take an affirmative step in protecting our and the public’s interests.”
The suit also called for the lawsuit from the teams to be dismissed. They also stated their intention to break ground on the continuation of the project in August. The teams also stated their continued resolve to fight the project.