Precourt Sports Ventures wanted a deal with the city on the McKalla Place site by the end of JuneCITY OF AUSTIN
The Austin City Council early Friday morning "easily passed" both resolutions involving MLS and a stadium at McKalla Place after a nearly 18-hour marathon, and the results, "viewed as a victory by most, set up the Aug. 9 meeting as perhaps the final make-or-break point" for relocating the Crew to the city, according to Lyttle & Bils of the AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN. Austin Mayor Steve Adler said, "I believe there is a good deal to be made here." Crew Chair Anthony Precourt also "expressed optimism." A process was set up for the city staff to "receive plans through Aug. 3 with a decision rendered by Aug. 9, the next council meeting after a six-week summer break." Crew ownership group Precourt Sports Ventures originally "wanted an agreement with the city by the end of June," but they will "live with the delay." Precourt said, "It's not optimal for us, it might slow things up a bit. But as long as the item passes, that's what we're hoping for. We're confident." Lyttle & Bils note the six-week timeline "gives Precourt a chance to figure out whether his group can close the gap from his initial proposal to the city, which Council Members have said is not palatable in many areas." Members want "more financial and legal protection for the city, further community benefits and expect PSV to fund infrastructure projects, possibly even a new Capital Metro rail stop" (STATESMAN.com, 6/29). In Columbus, Andrew Erickson writes the "path forward in Austin has been cemented." The "relatively drama-free passage of the two resolutions came after changes were made to each in the last two days." Precourt was on hand at Austin City Hall to "deliver rare public comments." He said, "As one of the youngest investor-operators of an MLS franchise, the youthful energy, inclusiveness and the spirit of this community presents an incredible opportunity for this club to do its part to bring the city closer together" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 6/29).
