September 15, 200520 yr http://www.nbc6.net/sports/4975303/detail.html Commissioners Say Marlins Stadium Estimates Too High Marlins Want Retractable Roof; Commissioners Say It's Too Expensive POSTED: 7:45 pm EDT September 14, 2005 UPDATED: 7:47 pm EDT September 14, 2005 MIAMI -- Miami-Dade commissioners have declared that a deal for a new stadium for the Florida Marlins is all but dead, and insisted that the Marlins either raise their contribution or lower their sights. Just as the team's playoff prospects were looking up, plans for the Marlins stadium have grown dimmer. As NBC 6's Ike Seamans reported last week, those who own the Orange Bowl land, where the Marlins want to build their stadium, said talks are going badly. County commissioners complained that the Marlins stadium cost estimates are unreliable, that the team is not bargaining in good faith and that the Marlins' insistence on a retractable roof has created insurmountable funding gaps. The county manager told commissioners that delays have perhaps tripled a $30 million funding gap, NBC 6's Nick Bogert reported. Commissioner Carlos Gimenez said the Marlins' estimates of $360 to $380 million are unreal. "I wouldn't bat an eyelash if they came back and said it was $500 million," Gimenez said. Meanwhile, the Marlins have put some detailed stadium plans on paper and sent a copy to the county. Marlins officials have no comment on the tough words directed their way by county commissioners. The commission said Wednesday that if there is no change in the Marlins' negotiating posture by next month, they will begin to consider other ways to spend tourism tax dollars that were set aside for a stadium. However, some county officials hint that the deal could be revived if the Marlins are willing to put off building a roof and opt for a "roof-ready" ballpark instead.
September 15, 200520 yr I think it is about time for this to get resolution, put a deadline on the Marlins and if they don't want to play ball just use the Tourism dollars for some other project. I hate to say it, but the FO keeps flumbling the ball
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