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NEW YORK, NY February 04, 2005 —The New York Jets and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority say they're at an impasse over the value of a site for a West Side Stadium and are heading for arbitration. Now state lawmakers are getting into the fray. WNYC's Beth Fertig has more.

The stadium would sit over the MTA's West Side Rail Yards. The Jets have offered 100 million dollars for the site; the MTA's appraisal says it's is worth three times that amount -- and more than 900 million if the site is fully developed.

State Assemblyman Richard Brodsky subpoenaed the MTA to release that appraisal. At a hearing yesterday, the Westchester Democrat asked why the authority would choose to settle the difference through arbitration - which could result in a lower figure - instead of seeking out higher bids from other developers.

BRODSKY: I'm wrestling with the concept of a government agency charged with a public interest engaging in a private arbitration deal with a private party for a private deal.

MTA chairman Peter Kalikow rejected Brodsky's suggestion that he's under pressure from Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Pataki to use the site for a stadium. Kalikow assured lawmakers he wants the best deal for the cash-strapped agency, and said there's no guarantee another buyer would pay more than the Jets.

KALIKOW: I'm either old enough or dumb enough to think sometimes a bird in the hand is worth taking.

He noted that the government's offer to help build a platform over the rail yard only applies to the team. He also invoked his experience in real estate in calling his agency's own appraisal quote, "agressive" -- or on the high side. Arbitration between the two parties could begin this month if approved by the MTA board. For WNYC I'm Beth Fertig.