Harris County Commissioners gave County Judge Robert Eckels
the go-ahead to begin negotiations for $450M in new sports
facilities in Houston, requiring that he return by September 1
with a plan to submit to voters on the November presidential
ballot. The HOUSTON CHRONICLE reports the $450M "cap" would fund
a $250M retractable-roof domed ballpark and either a $200M
renovation of the Astrodome or a new domed stadium for football
and rodeo. Other restrictions: construction at the Astrodome,
not downtown; no use of property taxes; and long-term leases from
the teams. Saying, "We're ready when Mr. Eckels is," Astros
Owner Drayton McLane said he will "give the county three weeks of
serious discussion" before deciding whether to sell. Meanwhile,
McLane, who has pledged $68M towards a new stadium, met with
Houston Mayor Bob Lanier in an effort to get the city involved in
"a bigger way." Barry Klein, Exec Dir of the Houston Property
Rights Association, opposed a November referendum, saying that
financing won't be known until next spring and that voters need
at least six months of debate (John Williams, HOUSTON CHRONICLE,
7/10).
