A pro football stadium is still an option, officials say, but the city is no longer reserving land exclusively for the league.
by Sarah Tully
The Orange County Register - Thursday, June 1, 2006
ANAHEIM - Got an idea for the big plot of land next to Angel Stadium? City officials are ready to hear your pitch.
As of today, the city will listen to ideas from developers for the site that had been reserved for a possible NFL stadium. Because the league had yet to choose the 53-acre plot by Wednesday's deadline, the city is opening up its options.
On Tuesday night, the City Council discussed the NFL proposal in closed session and directed the city staff to come up with a plan, Mayor Curt Pringle said.
"We have a property that's available. If we can find a developer or company or business that can provide for a long-term benefit to the city of Anaheim ... then we should move forward," Councilman Richard Chavez said.
City officials will keep negotiating with the NFL, as well.
"I'm still optimistic that NFL is in the cards. If something else comes up, that's good, too," Chavez said.
At last week's NFL meeting in Denver, owners knew it was their last chance to pick Anaheim before the city looked elsewhere. But the league opted to keep exploring both Los Angeles and Anaheim as possible sites.
On June 15, a group of NFL owners are set to visit Anaheim and meet with Orange County business leaders.
"We have been aware of the deadline and will continue to discuss with the city of Anaheim our plans for the potential stadium development at the site," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said.
The city is offering to sell the plot for $53 million. Councilman Harry Sidhu, who opposes the NFL plan, said he is pleased the city will look at other offers because he believes the NFL plan will fail to yield enough money.
"I'm much happier now. We're at least looking at opening doors," Sidhu said. "This will at least show us ... the other opportunities we were missing."