WHEN LES WANTS MORE: ALEXANDER GAINS OPTION ON LAND PARCELS

          Rockets Owner Les Alexander "has moved aggressively to
     assure a new downtown arena is built on the most-preferred
     site," as he obtained an option to buy two blocks of land
     adjacent to his proposed site, according to John Williams of
     the HOUSTON CHRONICLE.  The parcels would "provide the land
     for a parking garage, which Alexander has agreed to finance
     should the arena be placed nearby."  Rockets COO George
     Postolos said Alexander had paid $500,000 for an option to
     buy the two blocks.  Negotiations continued Friday between
     the city and Alexander in order to reach a deal before
     Tuesday's imposed deadline (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 8/28).