"We've set forward a good plan, and we want to stay on budget," Bender said. Referring to Cropp's cap of $630 million, Bender said the administration agrees that such a price for a stadium is too steep: "To go that far over budget is fiscally irresponsible to the public."
Jack Evans (D-Ward 2), the council's most ardent stadium supporter, said he discussed the idea with Cropp briefly yesterday but needed more information before commenting.
Cropp said she is open to tailoring her legislation, such as setting a lower cap, after discussing it with colleagues. Cropp said she also will introduce another bill Tuesday that would create a formal process for reviewing private financing proposals, which have been offered by banks, real estate brokers and others.
The council is split almost evenly on the stadium. Seven members have said they support the mayor's plan, although one of them, Jim Graham (D-Ward 1), has recently expressed new concerns about the rising costs. The six other members, including Cropp, have opposed the legislation.
David A. Catania (I-At Large), who opposes using public funds for a stadium, said he appreciated Cropp's efforts to limit the public costs of the project.
He added that pending changes on zoning rules for the land near the Anacostia waterfront, including the 21 acres for the baseball stadium, could increase the cost of acquiring that land.
The area is zoned for industrial use, which limits the scope of building projects. But soon it probably will be rezoned for commercial and residential use because of a dispute that has been settled by the city's zoning commission, Catania said.
If that happens, developers could build larger, more lucrative buildings on the property and make the 21 acres more costly than the $65 million that mayoral aides have estimated, he said.
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