An outspoken critic of the hockey arena, Assemblyman Pennacchio has several concerns with the ramifications of an arena in Newark, the burden it would place on New Jersey's taxpayers and the strain it would place on Bergen County's economy, "The City of Newark has yet to receive a formal commitment from the Devils or obtain a final price tag for the construction of the 18,000-seat arena. Have they even considered how much the bonding agency will charge?" asked Pennacchio.

"Not only is the City of Newark already spending $200 million on the arena, but it is also ready to spend an additional $25 million to fulfill a dream of the city's mayor. Where will the $100 million come from if the Devils are not able to fulfill their commitment to the project?" questioned Pennacchio.

"That same $25 million could be used to support a $36 million land. acquisition to build a new high school in Newark, yet the city is placing a higher priority on a sports arena than it's school children," said Pennacchio, "In Newark, the price tag keeps going up, When will the city get it's priorities in order and put the needs of it's children first, rather than the legacy of it's mayor?"