Voters in Detroit yesterday voted a "resounding" yes on
allowing the city to use public money for a new ballpark,
according to this morning's DETROIT NEWS. Early returns showed
Proposal B, a non-binding measure which would allow public funds
be spent on a new facility, leading by more than a 2-1 margin.
Proposal A, which would have "barred the use of public money for
a new stadium," was being rejected by about the same margin.
Team and city officials were pleased, and the Tigers could be
playing in the new park as early as '98. Voters were asked
whether they would permit $40M in Downtown Development Authority
bonds to help finance the $240M facility. Tigers Owner Mike
Ilitch has pledged $145M, while $55M would come through the
quasi-public Michigan Strategic Fund. Voters said they "were
swayed by the promises of economic rebirth and a revitalized
downtown" (Basheda, Lewis, & Linsalata, DETROIT NEWS, 3/20).
WHAT'S NEXT? The opposition Tiger Stadium Fan Club has "one
more weapon in their arsenal" -- a lawsuit challenging the $55M
grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund (Basheda, Lewis, &
Linsalata, DETROIT NEWS, 3/20).
