Two Cincinnati City Council members "unveiled a plan Friday that could clear the way for FC Cincinnati to build" an MLS stadium in the West End, something that "seemed almost impossible just a month ago," according to Coolidge & Knight of the CINCINNATI ENQUIRER. The plan "would even cost city taxpayers less than council had committed to an alternate site." The deal calls for FC Cincinnati to build a $200M stadium, pay $25M in property taxes to Cincinnati Public Schools and "infuse $100,000 a year for 10 years into the neighborhood." City and county taxpayers "would contribute" $48.8M, which compares to $51M for a site being considered in Oakley. If approved, the plan would "finally give FC Cincinnati a site" to take to MLS in the club's bid for an expansion spot. A vote on the plan "could also come as soon as next week but has not been scheduled" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 4/7). SI.com's Brian Straus noted the news "could wind up being a turning point in a saga that's been dragging." It still needs to be "formally voted on by the council and approved by the public school board, since it involves the relocation of a high school stadium." But the parameters "appeared to be in place" (SI.com, 4/6).
