I'm just curious as to what's going on with the new Marlins' ballpark. Ever since the story made national news, there hasn't been much talk outside of south Florida. Can someone fill me in? Thanks.

Since the State Congress is out of session for the holidays, the $60 million over 30 year tax break is only being written right now, but not being introduced until they come back. This is a tax break the Marlins recieved from 1992-1998 of $2 million a year to fix PPS, but will be used to build the new ballpark.

 

ULLICO Insurance Co. has offered to lend the Marlins $110 Million if they can guarantee they will use union-only workers on construction.

 

The City of Miami is actively scouting out sites and how they can get them.

 

The Marlins are looking for private investments and partners for the effort.

 

The deadline is March 15th.

 

Marlins Ballpark Money Meter

Marlins Ballpark News Page

well, i wouldn't go as far as saying the $60 mil tax break is expected, but at 2 mil a year for 30 years, it's really not going to help much with construction costs. cape, i wish you'd put an asterik next to it on your money meter since it'd only be 2mil/year and wouldn't really finance construction. even huizenga gets a 2 mil break each year for pro player, and he actually owns the place.

 

the ULLICO loan offer was a publicity gimmick on behalf of a politican, and it won't even be considered. a loan, especially one with strings attached, does nothing to defray the marlins' contribution to the stadium. that's why ULLICO hasn't even been whispered by the press as a possible option for financing the stadium since the nov 7th publicity announcement (search google news for "ullico" if you don't believe me).

 

the marlins have a few options on how to come up with their $115 million or so, but i'm guessing that they won't make their plans public until they've attempted to hit up the state for construction money (not the 2 mil per year tax break).

wayne doesn't get the tax break anymore. he sold the team so he doesn't get it anymore.

 

the tax break is expected to pass because it doesn't cost the state anything off the budget and allows them to say they contributed.

wayne doesn't get the tax break anymore. he sold the team so he doesn't get it anymore.

 

the tax break is expected to pass because it doesn't cost the state anything off the budget and allows them to say they contributed.

yes, wayne does get the tax break. it's tied to the venue (pro player stadium) and has nothing to do with the marlins.

 

and i agree, the tax break will probably pass. my only gripe with it is that 2 mil / year doesn't exactly help finance the stadium, and it certainly doesn't constitute half of our contribution.

remember the state is in not in the best of times with the class size admendment having to be paid for along with other projects.

yea it sucks. i voted against that class size admendment and i hope they can mow it down in the legislature (nothing to do with the marlins, i just don't support it).