N.Y.C. arena for New Jersey Nets approved

NEW YORK, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- A plan to combine a new home for the New Jersey Nets -- in New York City -- with a high-rise development in downtown Brooklyn has a green light.

The Public Authorities Control Board approved the Atlantic Yards project Wednesday, the New York Daily News reported. Developer Bruce Ratner's plans combine an 18,000-seat basketball arena and 16 high-rise buildings designed by architect Frank Gehry.

Ratner threw in some sweeteners, including a high-tech high school and an increase in the amount of affordable housing in the mix. But many residents and politicians plan to continue fighting the project. They say it will put too much high-density pressure on a neighborhood that is now mostly blocks of brownstones.