Magic Johnson Helps Relaunch Cambridge Development

A $2 billion, 44-acre redevelopment project in suburban Boston that stalled four years ago amid legal and financial trouble has been relaunched with help from former Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson.

The NorthPoint project aims to transform a swath of vacant industrial land in Cambridge and Somerville into a mini-city of residences, retail and office space.

The Boston Globe reports that the first phase expected to start next summer will create 250 jobs, with the potential for thousands more.

The development team includes a California investment fund backed by Johnson.

The fact the development is within site of the old Boston Garden where Johnson tormented Boston Celtics fans wasn't lost on the former NBA star, who said Wednesday that Celtics patriarch Red Auerbach would be "rolling in his grave."