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Skepticism Remains On Ballpark

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 5, 2008

Regarding "Rays' Critics Shouldn't Be So Quick To Throw Out Stadium, Trop Plans" (Our Opinion, April 28):

Rigid local community opposition is already evident with all the "No New Waterfront Stadium" signs popping up all over St. Petersburg. Other resistive strategies are coming to the fore. To refute the public disenchantment will require convincing proof, not promises.

Self-guarantees of financial assurances by developers, team owners and investors would help temper the mass opposition. With the deep cuts in public spending and the specter of human need everywhere, taxpayers are adamantly against tax subsidies and monies being spent on a new ballpark without adequate parking that won't even be air-conditioned.

Many people do not believe the grandiose promises of an economic boom with hundreds of new jobs if the Trop is demolished. If private money and more team money would finance the grand scheme totally, local taxpayers - especially non-baseball fans - might be more receptive.

ROBERT B. FLEMING

St. Petersburg

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