The issue was in the courts to begin with because a group oflocal organizations and individuals headed by councilmen AugustoAmador and Luis Quintana sued to block the sale, asserting thatcity money could be better used than for the proposed arena.Opponents of the arena want the whole thing on the ballot this fallas a citywide referendum.

But State Superior Court Judge Donald Goldman ruled that apublic vote was not required for the bond issue to proceed. Onefinal legal challenge remains: State Appellate Judge Howard Kestinhas agreed to hear a request for a temporary restraining order.City officials could not be reached for comment.

If that legal challenge is cleared, the Newark Housing Authoritywill pay off the bonds over the next 33 years with money the citycollects from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey forleasing the Port of Newark's marine terminal. The annual rent forthe facility is $12.5 million.