LAST HEARING BEFORE DC ZONING COMMISSION VOTES

     Supporters and opponents of the proposed downtown DC arena
got one last chance yesterday to "persuade" the National Capital
Planning Commission (NCPC) that the project will be a "boon or
boondoggle," according to the WASHINGTON POST.  Approximately 50
people spoke before the 12-member panel, which votes Thursday
(Maryann Haggerty, WASHINGTON POST, 10/3).  Upon gaining approval
of the NCPC, the arena "will have cleared its final major
hurdle."  The project still faces a "pro forma" vote by the DC
Council and final approval by the Redevelopment Land Agency.
Both will act next week (Lorraine Woellert, WASHINGTON TIMES,
10/3).
     JOHNSON DENIED, THIS TIME: The D.C. Contract Appeals Board
yesterday dismissed an appeal filed by BET President Robert
Johnson to prevent Bullets/Caps Owner Abe Pollin from building
the arena.  Johnson's attorney said the appeal will be taken to a
DC Superior Court judge on Thursday (Lorraine Woellert,
WASHINGTON TIMES, 10/3).