Developers behind NYC FC's proposal to build N.Y.'s first MLS venue are "looking to develop land near the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, after plans to build near Yankee Stadium fell apart," according to sources cited by Gloria Pazmino of CAPITAL NEW YORK. Sources said that NYC FC is "looking to develop the site near the racetrack because there is an abundance of land primed for development." A source said that the Bronx plan "'fell through the cracks,' after developers could not reach a deal with the building tenant, which currently occupies the site the partners had hoped to develop." The city "abandoned its original plan to build in the middle of Queens' largest park" after the administration of former Mayor Michael Bloomberg "came up with a more attractive deal." The administration for current Mayor Bill de Blasio has "offered little detail on the project" (CAPITALNEWYORK.com, 9/15). New York Sen. Joseph Addabbo said, "Currently, I am extremely hesitant to welcome a soccer stadium to the Aqueduct site. My constituents need as many facts as possible now, as we start to have discussions on this issue." In N.Y., Lisa Colangelo notes Community Board 10 Chair Betty Braton was "reluctant to venture her own opinion until she has more details, but her initial assessment was less than enthusiastic." Braton: “I don’t think the community is going to be totally supportive. Right now, I’m just trying to figure out where they have a chunk of land for this" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 9/17).
VEGAS, BABY! In Las Vegas, Conor Shine notes Mayor Carolyn Goodman last night "made an impassioned pitch to bring soccer to downtown." Last night's community meeting was a "first chance for the public to get an up-close look and ask questions" about the proposed $200M MLS stadium. Many of the questions "involved the project’s finances, which call for the city to provide funding" for more than 75% of the upfront costs through bonds and cash. Rent from the team and other event revenues "would be used to pay down the city-issued bonds over 30 years" (LAS VEGAS SUN, 9/17).
