As we noted at the time, Rangel's support for the project was always nuanced, so this is not really a "flip-flop," it is merely a continuation of Rangel's straddling of the fence on the issue.

JETS: W. SIDE - OR JERSEY
By TOM TOPOUSIS

May 3, 2005 -- Jets President Jay Cross warned yesterday that the team would have to consider offers to stay in New Jersey — at a new stadium with the Giants — if Albany lawmakers postpone a May 18 vote on the West Side stadium.

"We've been at this four years," said Cross, citing a long list of governmental hurdles the team has jumped so far.

"So at a certain point in time, we have to make a decision."

New Jersey acting Gov. Richard Codey has made it clear he wants the Jets to stay in the Meadowlands as partners with the Giants in a new stadium.

Jets officials have insisted their goal is returning to New York, but Cross now says that could change if approvals are not granted this month.

"Inevitably, sooner or later, we are going to have to sit down and talk to New Jersey. We are trying to make it later rather than sooner," said Cross.

Sources said that New Jersey officials have recently stepped up their efforts to keep the Jets in a new $750 million stadium that is being built by the Giants. The Jets' lease on the Meadowlands runs out after the 2008 season.