Xanadu Not Far Away

The major overhaul of New Jersey’s Meadowlands complex might get under way by the beginning of February.

There are several lawsuits hindering construction of Xanadu – the $1.3 billion remodeling of the area around East Rutherford’s Continental Airlines Arena – but the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority says construction can proceed, according to The Record of Bergen County.

A series of permits from The Army Corps of Engineers is required before the project can break ground.

“There is nothing that precludes the start of Xanadu construction at this point except those permits,” said Carl Goldberg, sports authority chairman.

The New York Giants football team has asked that Xanadu – which is to include sports-themed theatres, activities, bars, restaurants and retail outlets – be shut down during home games. The team is concerned traffic may deter fans, according to The Star-Ledger of Newark.

Goldberg said he hopes to soon work out an agreement with the team for a new football stadium worth $700 million, replacing Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands complex.

Lawsuits have been filed by an unsuccessful bidder for the project, environmental groups and the Borough of Carlstadt. Goldberg said a series of legal decisions in the sports authority’s favor led its lawyers to advocate construction, despite the pending litigation.