The proposed $230M Dallas arena "cleared a lukewarm"
Dallas City Council on Wednesday, as it ratified City
Manager John Ware's letter of intent on a new facility,
according to Todd Gillman of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. While
council officials "said voters deserve the final word ...
some predicted" that voters would reject the deal if the
Mavericks and Stars "don't promise enough downtown
development to justify" the $125M public subsidy. Gillman
adds that "even some council members who voted to keep the
deal on track remain critical of key elements in the
package, particularly the lack thus far of guaranteed
development around the arena; the mandatory demolition of
18-year-old Reunion Arena; and the reliance on tourist taxes
rather than user fees on parking and tickets." The council
will decide November 12 whether to call a January vote on
higher hotel/car rental taxes to finance the city's share.
By then, team owners and city negotiators say, a site will
be picked and more details will be known about the potential
for development around the arena (MORNING NEWS, 10/9).
