Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-32) is not happy about the state’s plans to close East Rutherford’s Izod Center, placing the blame on “a lack of creative vision” by Governor Chris Christie’s administration, as well as the NJ Sports and Exposition Authority.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“The plan to close the Izod Center shows a disappointing lack of creative vision by the Christie administration and the [NJ Sports and Exposition] authority,” Prieto said in a statement.
“This facility brings jobs and economic activity to the Meadowlands area, and closing it with little notice or public discussion will hurt workers and efforts to catch up with the national recovery.”
“New Jersey has long lagged behind the nation when it comes to economic growth and unemployment. We shouldn’t be adding to that problem with bad decisions.”
Prieto, whose district includes nine municipalities in Bergen and Hudson counties (though East Rutherford isn’t one of them), also noted that the Izod center should be an obvious venue choice to attract events, jobs and development.
He also noted that if the Nassau Coliseum in Unionsdale, New York managed to overcome financial struggles, the Izod Center should be able to do the same.
NJ.com reported yesterday that a two-year agreement has been reached between the Izod Center and Newark’s Prudential Center that would allow the latter to obtain the hosting rights for the evens on the Izod Center’s calendar.
Last month, Prieto introduced legislation to merge the Meadowlands Commission with the NJSEA, with State Senator Nick Sacco (D-32) explaining the benefits to Hudson County View.
