I missed his original comments, on ESPN, but read where Melrose issued an apology to the Devils/NHL fans regarding the area around where their new arena was built. Melrose reportedly commented that while the building was beautiful, he said words to the effect you may want to "hang on to your wallet" regarding the area immediately around the new arena....alluding to a crime issue....

It was on a video segment done for ESPN.com, I think. I read about that this morning. Dumb thing to say. They are hoping that the arena helps to revitalize the surrounding area, though.

Check the headline of this article -- in case it gets changed, it reads "Flyers get mugged in Newark."

I can understand why he said that. Going to and from the arena to the parking lots or the train station is very safe and easy. But go a few blocks away, and it starts to get sketchy. Give it some time and I think it'll be a great destination. It seems the Devils and Seton Hall are really trying to make it stick with the fans - security is really tight and they have "greeters" everywhere on your way in and out of the arena reminding you to "have a good night and thanks for coming!"

Getting there on the train is really, really easy as well. I applaud Newark for doing a good job with it so far. I hope they keep it up, because it's a fantastic arena.

The city has a lot of plans to redevelop the area and touristify it. Mayor Booker is on a rampage trying to improve Newark's image.