PUBLIC ENEMY? CHARLOTTE ARENA GROUP SAYS NO TO REFERENDUM

          The Charlotte New Arena Committee voted 6-5 yesterday
     "against asking the City Council to consider a public vote
     before spending significant tax dollars" on a new arena for
     the Hornets, according to Markoe & Bonnell of the CHARLOTTE
     OBSERVER.  The group will present its final report to the
     council next Monday, and the council will then "ultimately
     decide whether to use public money to build" the facility. 
     The arena is projected to cost between $200-250M, with the
     Hornets contributing between $115-135M  and the public
     paying between $80-100M.  The committee has "recommended"
     that the public's share come from tourist taxes, ticket
     surcharges and various grants.  Because bonds will not be
     used to finance the arena, a public vote is not required. 
     Committee Chair John Fennebresque, on the chances of a
     referendum: "City Council has the opportunity to do this if
     they want to do this.  It's not our job."  But the Hornets
     have said that a referendum on the arena "is almost
     inevitable" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 6/22).