Brooklyn leaders are renewing their call for an independent security study of the proposed Atlantic Yards development after the opening of the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

A request for such a study has previously been denied, but leaders are raising their voices after seeing the precautions taken when the Prudential Center opened. Police closed down streets surrounding the arena to ensure extra safety. Critics of the Atlantic Yards plan say that won?t work on Flatbush and Atlantic avenues.

Councilmember David Yassky (D-Brooklyn) agrees that security needs to be taken under closer consideration. ?I think when security concerns get a real look, they're going to have to change their plans and they don't want to,? he says of developer Forest City Ratner.

Councilmember Bill Deblasio (D-Brooklyn) is concerned the area will become a new target if current plans move forward. The leaders say they haven?t gotten a response from officials around the city and state. They say they will take the issue to Gov. Eliot Spitzer personally.

Forest City Ratner insists security is a top priority. A spokesperson from the company says their security plan has been approved by both the NYPD and the best anti-terrorism experts in the city.

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