Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said the finding of high levels of toxic materials on the proposed site for MLS expansion club Inter Miami CF's stadium is "not anything that jeopardizes the deal in any way," according to Jeff Carlisle of ESPN.com. Inter Miami has "long known about the environmental concerns related to the site, and pledged to pay the total cost of any remediation that is needed." Suarez, a proponent of the project, confirmed that the new analysis means that the cost of remediation, initially estimated at $35M, is now around $50M, but he "remains unconcerned that this will adversely affect Inter Miami's plans" (ESPN.com, 8/22).
LATEST LOOK: In Cincinnati, Chris Wetterich notes FC Cincinnati has "submitted new plans for its soccer-specific stadium to the Cincinnati Planning Commission that add property in the West End to the development" and show what the $250M stadium itself will look like. The commissioners will consider a "major amendment to FCC’s concept plan, which adds an additional 1.6 acres to the development." That amendment also will "require Cincinnati City Council approval." The added acreage could "include 100 units of multifamily housing, eating and drinking establishments, office, banks, community learning, day care, a food market or a cultural institution" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 8/23).
MAKING A TIMELINE: In Columbus, Michael Arace notes the Crew are "looking to close the real-estate deal" on land for a new stadium in September and "break ground for construction in October." If things go according to plan, the new stadium "will open sometime in midsummer" of '21. Crew fans who have been "frustrated by this monthslong process can expect a cascade of announcements later this summer and into autumn." Among the reveals will be an "updated rendering of the stadium" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 8/23).
