January 12, 2008
Santa Clara to open talks with 49ers?
A report delivered by Santa Clara city manager Jennifer Sparacino to the city council yesterday endorsed pursuing a $914 million stadium for the San Francisco 49ers ... kinda. "We think there could be an opportunity," said assistant city manager Ron Garratt, "but we need to know and learn a lot more. ... We're not saying there is a clear path through to a stadium project."
The report recommends that the city enter into six months of negotiations to craft a stadium deal with the 49ers; the deal would then be subject to a public vote, likely in either June or November. It would also contain what Garratt called an "exit ramp" to allow the city to back out if insurmountable obstacles emerged, and would cap the city's contribution at the $136 million that has already been proposed - meaning the 49ers would presumably need to find a way to fill the $51 million funding gap plus any cost overruns, unless it can find a way for the city to "contribute" under the table via lease breaks or diverting revenue streams to the team or somesuch thing. We should know more on Tuesday, when the city council is likely to vote on a formal proposal to authorize stadium talks.
I'm surprise more 49er Fans aren't looking at this move to Santa Clara as the stimulas the Niners need to "take it up a notch". I'm good, let's do it!
I'm prepared to show my support... check out my effort at www.signs-derby.com/niners.html
Long time fan.
