Groundbreaking For New Nets Arena

MYFOXNY.COM - Several heavy-hitters including rap star 'Jay-Z' will be on hand Thursday afternoon for a ceremonial groundbreaking of the new home of the NJ Nets.

The event at the future home of the Barclays Center at Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn is expected to begin at 1:30 p.m.

Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter is part owner of the Nets.

Construction of the sports and entertainment arena is loaded with controversy.  Residents in the area who have been opposed to the plan since it was announced several years ago say that affordable housing should be in the construction plans.

Real estate developer Bruce Ratner has proposed building office towers and apartments.

Members of 'Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn' have scheduled a mock burial at the groundbreaking ceremony using three-foot-tall bobbleheads depicting state and city officials.

A Brooklyn State Supreme Court judge rejected a challenge by homeowners and businesses to the state's use of eminent domain for the $4.9 billion, 22-acre project.

The arena is slated for completion in 2012.