By Katie Knapp
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kios/local-kios-683778.mp3
Omaha, NE – A wide variety of questions, comments and concerns greeted Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey and the Stadium Oversight Committee during the first public meeting Thursday night regarding the downtown stadium recommendation. At that meeting, the committee made a 40-minute presentation about the decision to build a new ballpark, the cost estimates, and sources of funding.
The crowd of about 300 gathered for the first public meeting asked questions on a wide variety of topics, including:
-why the public wouldn't get to vote on a new stadium
-if property taxes would increase when the city of Omaha begins funneling keno money toward the costs of a downtown ballpark
-what will happen to Rosenblatt Stadium
-how the Committee plans to address environmental concerns at the downtown ballpark site
-if there was proof or a guarantee that the College World Series would remain in Omaha if a new downtown stadium was built
There was very little support among the crowd for the ballpark recommendation.
Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey told the crowd he's trying to do what's best for the College World Series long-term. CWS of Omaha Inc. President Jack Diesing Jr. said the ballpark issue is about the future of the College World Series.
The second public meeting is Saturday morning, 10 AM to noon at Omaha North High School. A third meeting is Monday evening from 7 to 9 PM at Westside High School.
Click on the link above to hear some of the questions and comments from the public meeting.