The San Diego Chargers will launch more studies into the feasibility of building an NFL stadium in Chula Vista. The mayor of Chula Vista says she is more focused on negotiations for a new Convention Center. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.
Chargers spokesman Mark Fabiani told the Chula Vista City Council that most citizens at recent public meetings were willing to consider an NFL stadium in their town.
Fabiani: Most people are open minded , most people want more information. They are not prepared to make a decision now, nor do we expect them to make a decision now. We understand that it's our obligation to provide them with more information.
The cost of the stadium is estimated at a billion dollars. Fabian says the team will now study the feasibility of paying for it with private investments in Chula Vista, rather than public financing.
Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox says the city will wait to see the conclusions of the Chargers study. But a proposal from another developer is higher on her list of priorities.
Cox: Gaylord has indicated an interest and a willingness to put $650 million into a hotel on Chula Vista's Bay front. That's closer to us and perhaps less speculative at this point.
Both the Gaylord project and the Chargers stadium would require the South Bay Power Plant to be demolished first .
Cox says Chula Vista is working with the Public Utilities Commission to figure out alternative ways to provide electricity, so the bay front power plant can be removed.
Alison St John, KPBS News.
