"The Jets and the city have done an admirable job of trying to tame the stadium, but at the end of the day its construction still conflicts with the long-term goals for the West Side," says RPA board member Barbara Joelson Fife, a former deputy mayor. "Access to the waterfront is too important to the future of the city and the Far West Side to construct such an immense barrier in a prime location."

Last month, current Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctoroff touted the benefits of the controversial New York Sports and Convention Center, which is expected to cost upward of $1 billion, saying it plays a "critical role in accelerating development in the area." He also noted that it is "absolutely essential" for the city to win the bid for the 2012 Olympics.

In regard to the city's bid for the Olympics, the RPA report states, "In the end, 17 days in 2012 should not drive the planning for a crucial part of the city for the next 50 years." The report also calls estimates of the economic benefits to the city "suspect." It also criticizes the placement of the stadium in a central business district, the potential traffic problems and the loss of waterfront access.