DETROIT STADIUM AUTHORITY ACQUIRING LAND FOR NEW STADIUMS

          The Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority "has spent
     or plans to spend" at least $51M on purchasing land from 50
     property owners in downtown Detroit for new stadiums for the
     Tigers and Lions, according to Patricia Montemurri of the
     DETROIT FREE PRESS.  The cost "could escalate," based on the
     outcome of 10-15 court cases in which property owners "have
     challenged the settlements offered them."  In addition to
     the $51M for land costs, the Stadium Authority has spent
     $3,600-5,000 apiece to help with relocation and moving
     expenses for 135 area residents.  Officials eye an August
     groundbreaking (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 7/18).