Mayor Asks for Stadium Plan Approval

The D.C. Zoning Commission heard pleas yesterday late into the night from Mayor Anthony A. Williams (D) and his design team to approve their plans for the new Washington Nationals stadium.

The plans include a recent proposal that combines some underground parking with aboveground spaces wrapped inside 13-story towers, along with shops, restaurants, condominiums and a hotel.

"I can't emphasize enough the importance of this project to our city," said Williams, who signaled his determination by sitting through a hearing that lasted more than 4 1/2 hours. "I do implore you as mayor to give a favorable review as soon as possible."

The city's zoning rules require underground parking at the site, so the Zoning Commission must approve any variation.

Despite the city's grand proposal, Nationals owner Theodore N. Lerner has said he believes there is not enough time or money to build the retail and hotel complex by April 2008, when the stadium must open under the deal with Major League Baseball.

In response, the mayor proposed a backup plan to build aboveground parking garages to at least make sure that 1,225 spots are available for the stadium.

Williams said he hopes he doesn't have to resort to Plan B but wants one just in case.

"A navigator once said, 'We are where we are,' " Williams said. "We are where we are in terms of the budget of this project and the timetable. . . . I believe there's a very high probability [that underground parking will be built], but we have to have that backup plan."

Williams initially wanted to put all parking underground so that shops and condominiums could be built aboveground and the city could reap the resulting tax revenue. But underground parking would add $29 million to the project's $21 million parking budget, as well as another year of construction.

Lerner has argued for aboveground garages to be sure spaces are available for luxury suite patrons and holders of high-priced tickets, both of whom are crucial revenue sources for his team. He paid $450 million to buy the Nationals from Major League Baseball and stands to lose millions if the stadium and parking lots do not open on time.

Stan Kasten, who is slated to become president of the Nationals, said during a recent interview that Williams's approach "avoids putting too many eggs in one basket, assures that we keep on schedule while we answer some questions and represents the best 'no risk' approach toward holding the public trust. I think moving along the parallel track makes all parties feel a little more secure."

The Zoning Commission's decision is crucial to the funding plan for the stadium. The city's chief financial officer, Natwar M. Gandhi, is analyzing whether he can certify the money available for the city's parking plan.

The D.C. Council's stadium budget includes $21 million for garages. Herbert S. Miller, president of Western Development, which proposed the plan to mix aboveground parking among condominiums and shops, has said the California Public Employees' Retirement System will finance the $300 million tab.

Gandhi is awaiting a letter from that organization, but the pension fund managers want the Zoning Commission's ruling on the parking plan before they send the letter.