Deal to expedite affordable housing near NYC arena

NEW YORK -- New York State and city officials have reached an agreement with a developer to fast track the construction of affordable housing near Barclay's Center in Brooklyn.

The deal for the 2,250 apartment units is part of the Atlantic Yards project that includes the arena that opened in 2012. It comes after 11 years of delays and lawsuits.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio say the agreement with developer Forest City Ratner calls for the completion of the project by 2025, 10 years ahead of schedule. Construction on phase one, which will include at least 590 units, should begin in December.

The state is overseeing the project.

De Blasio says it "means two 100 percent affordable buildings will go in the ground starting next year."