Devils Say They Didn’t Commit To Community Center

The New Jersey Devils' top executive is taking issue with criticisms leveled by Newark Mayor Cory Booker over the National Hockey League team's deal with the city.

On Wednesday, Booker accused Jeff Vanderbeek of reneging on a promise to build a community center on the Prudential Center arena site. Booker's comments came a day after arbitrators ruled in favor of the Devils in a long-running dispute with the city over arena parking revenue.

Vanderbeek tells The Associated Press on Friday that under a 2007 agreement, the team wasn't required to build the center. He calls Booker's remarks "concerning."

Housing authority head Keith Kinnard says he signed the agreement when the arena deal was in doubt and the Devils were threatening to move to Kansas City.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)