JERSEY JOURNAL, December 29, 1997

A plan to haul the Devils out of the Meadowlands and transport them into little Hoboken really sounds far-fetched!

Just one look at such a plan to build a 20,000 seat arena, with a 5,000-car garage, a performing arts center and commercial ventures sounds like trying to put 100 pounds of potatoes in a 5 pound bag.

The density of the venture is far too great for such a small town. It sounds like owner John McMullen is trying to muscle his way again like he did two years ago when he talked the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority into giving in to his demand for more profit, which he received when the authority had a gun to its head.

Now again, the same tactics, only a new arena plan and another threat to move.

To assume the Continental Airlines arena is not a first-class arena is, in fact, an insult to any hockey fan who knows that Hoboken could not handle traffic, parking, the crowds of people that it would bring! Also, for Trenton to handle all the improvements for this venture again reminds me of when Governor Whitmen gave into Steve Winn for an underground tunnel to connect the Atlantic City bay to the indexland boardwalk "strip" of casinos. Donald Trump was against but the governor gave this project the green light!

Don't get me wrong, I love the Mile Square City, but for a plan as ambitious as this one, I doubt it!

Come on guys, give me a break!

Albert J. Cupo
Jersey City