RAPTORS PROJECT FINALLY GETS THE GREEN LIGHT

     Toronto City Councilors on Friday voted 14-2 in favor of the
Raptors' planned C$200M Air Canada Centre project despite
"grumblings that it isn't the best deal for taxpayers," according
to Paul Maloney of the TORONTO STAR.  The project was opposed by
two councilors who felt the team was underpaying for the city
land valued at C$3.8-4.5M.  The council accepted the Raptors'
offer to pay C$100,000 for 20 years and give the city free use of
the stadium for six days a year for 20 years.  Project Director
Jay Cross said he expects construction to start in mid-February,
with completion targeted for November '97 (TORONTO STAR, 1/14).