The developers of American Dream – the entertainment & retail project – have sued the New York Giants and New York Jets and others charging them with engaging in an ongoing, unlawful campaign to delay the project’s opening in order that the Teams and their affiliates can maintain their lucrative monopoly over the Sports Complex.
The complaint alleges the teams have engaged, once again, in a campaign to delay the economic development and job creation that would come from completion of the American Dream project through the addition of an indoor amusement park and water park.
In the lawsuit filed today (Tuesday) in the Law Division of the Superior Court in Bergen County, the developers cite numerous breaches by the teams of the “Cooperation Agreement” entered into by the initial developers , the teams and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) in 2006 and additional charges of tortious interference and civil conspiracy. The developers have requested a jury trial. They are seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive monetary damages.
In a related action, the developers have asked the court to dismiss the New York teams’ lawsuit seeking to challenge the NJSEA’s recent approval of the master plan which currently provides all the necessary approvals for the immediate commencement of construction of the developer’s proposed American Dream project including both the indoor water and amusement parks. In its response to the lawsuit filed by the teams last month the developers cite numerous reasons supporting dismissal.
American Dream President, Paul Ghermezian, stated “We are excited with the project’s recent progress and our vision in completing a world-class entertainment and retail destination. 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. We continue to move ahead with the project and, in August, will host a groundbreaking ceremony followed by commencement of construction activities. ”
Karen J. Kessler, media spokesperson for the Teams, said in a statement: “It is unfortunate that the NJSEA and the developer have filed an action that flies in the face of Court’s express prior ruling that the Court, and not the NJSEA Board of Commissioners, would decide this breach of contract case.
“The Teams invested more than $1.6 billion in, and committed their future to, the State of New Jersey in reliance on the protections set forth in their contract with the State. We will vigorously pursue this action to enforce the State’s express promises to the Teams, and protect the rights of our fans.”
