US News

Nets arena to be a little less Frank

If the Nets ever relocate to Brooklyn, their new arena will likely be a scaled-down version of star architect Frank Gehry’s much-touted design thanks to the dismal economy.

Developer Bruce Ratner shot down rumors yesterday that he had canned Gehry from the embattled Atlantic Yards project but admitted that he was exploring cheaper ways to build an arena.

The arena alone is currently estimated to cost nearly $1 billion.

“We are continuing to speak with many arena experts and working hard to find ways to build a world-class venue in an incredibly difficult economic environment,” said Ratner spokesman Joe DePlasco.

Litigation, too, is holding up the $4 billion Atlantic Yards project. Last month, the developer stopped all work until a lawsuit seeking to block Atlantic Yards is decided.