Lawsuit over air rights marks latest attempt to halt Brooklyn Nets arena

Air-rights lawsuit seeks to derail Nets arena

NEW YORK — Another lawsuit has been filed aimed at halting the Brooklyn development that includes a new arena for basketball’s Nets.

Peter Williams says in his lawsuit filed Tuesday that he still owns the air rights over a lot that is part of the footprint of the Atlantic Yards project.

A spokesman for developer Bruce Ratner did not immediately return an e-mail seeking comment.

Ratner plans an arena for the New Jersey Nets, who will become the Brooklyn Nets, plus 16 residential and office towers. The arena is to open in 2012.

The project was delayed by lawsuits challenging the state’s right to use eminent domain to clear the site of residents and businesses. But several holdouts agreed last month to sell.