July 03, 2005
Hey, Mikey, they don't like it
The New York papers have been praising Mayor Michael Bloomberg for abandoning his unpopular Jets stadium deal - actually, being forced to abandon it, but whatever - in favor of the less controversial Nets, Mets, and Yankees project. Only one problem: In the Nets case, at least, Bloomberg's constituents are no more sold on the deal. A New York Times poll found that city residents oppose the Nets arena plan by 45% to 37%; asked "What if a new arena in Brooklyn cost $200 million in public funds?" - the bare minimum it would cost taxpayers - opposition rose to 61%, versus 18% in favor. Those polled favored building a new stadium for the Mets and the Olympics in Queens (49-40%), but support dropped to 27% when asked: "What if a new stadium in Queens cost New York City and New York State $180 million in public funds?" (Actual cost: More like $400 million.)
The poll didn't ask voters' thoughts on a new Yankees stadium. It did, though, reveal that "new stadiums" was the top-ranked item when residents were asked to name "the worst thing [Bloomberg] has done since he became mayor."
