"LEGISLATIVE OBSTACLE COURSE" HINDERS CHANCE FOR MEGAPLEX

     MA House Ways and Means Chair Thomas Finneran yesterday
outlined plans for "scrutinizing" the proposed megaplex that may
prove "insurmountable" for proponents of the project, according
to the BOSTON GLOBE.  Finneran said during hearings, scheduled to
begin before the end of the month, testimony will be taken first
by opponents of the project, a departure from the usual practice
of opening with supporters.  Second, Finneran will hire a
consultant to help assess claims by supporters the project would
be privately funded.  This consultant will be one who "does not
have a bias" toward pro sports.  Finally, hearings will be held
in South Boston and Roxbury, the two neighborhoods recommended as
sights for the megaplex.  Hearings in the neighborhoods should
also "highlight" opposition to the project (Vaillancourt &
Kindleberger, BOSTON GLOBE, 9/14).