JOUR 61: Broadcast Project

AFTER THE CONTROVERSIES OF A WEEK AGO, THE SAN JOSE CITY COUNCIL ENJOYED A MORE RELAXING DAY IN THE CHAMBERS TODAY.

THE MAIN ISSUE ON THE AGENDA WAS THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF THE AIRPORT WEST AREA. THIS INCLUDED THE PROPOSAL FOR A SOCCER STADIUM TO HOUSE THE RECENTLY RETURNED SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER FRANCHISE. THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD SEE THE EARTHQUAKES OWNER LEW WOLFF FUND THE BUILDING OF THE STADIUM. IN RETURN THE CITY GOVERNMENT WOULD REZONE AN AREA OF LAND DESIGNATED FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT TO HOUSING INSTEAD.

WHETHER THE SOCCER STADIUM WILL RAKE IN ENOUGH MONEY TO COVER THE LOSS IN TAXES FROM THE INDUSTRIAL AREA IS THE DEBATABLE POINT. THE INITIAL FINANCIAL REPORTS EXCLAIMING THE VIRTUES OF THE STADIUM WERE ACCEPTED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE COUNCIL. HOWEVER, VICE-MAYOR CORTESE ADDED A WORD OF CAUTION. HE URGED PLANNERS TO FORMULATE BACK-UP PLANS IN CASE THE STADIUM SITE DOESN’T WORK OUT.

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