The $1 billion in public funds attached to a new stadium at the RFK Stadium site worries detractors like D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, as does the $1 per year rent payment that the Washington Commanders would pay.
“My initial sense is that the deal is very, very, very favorable to the Commanders,” Mr. Mendelson said last week. “It’s nice to be supportive of the Commanders, but this is a taxpayer expense.”
Without lawmakers like Mr. Mendelson on board, the fate of the NFL franchise’s move back to the District remains up in the air.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Commanders have said they are negotiating with apprehensive council members ahead of a July 15 deadline for legislators to vote.
Mr. Mendelson and other critics have expressed concerns about the amount of public funding and associated tax breaks for the NFL franchise’s return to the District. Ms. Bowser insists that the deal — which features $2.7 billion from the Commanders to construct the stadium and about $1.1 billion in public funds for supporting infrastructure — is vital for the city.
The standoff has spread throughout the city council, with an almost even split of supporters, critics and uncommitted representatives. The proposal needs seven supporters by July 15, a deadline set by Ms. Bowser and the Commanders in a term sheet. The mayor’s office and the Commanders could mutually agree to shift the deadline, though.
Click here for the whole article
