Politics & Government

Sanders Hopes to Smooth Road Toward New Chargers Stadium

The mayor of San Diego urges Gov. Jerry Brown to sign a bill that would streamline judicial review of large construction projects.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders is hoping the governor will sign a bill designed to help big construction projects—like a proposed new Chargers stadium—clear judicial review without delays over environmental regulations.

Assembly Bill AB900 was one of three construction-friendly bills passed last week at the end of the legislative session. One dealt with the proposed Farmers Field project in downtown Los Angeles, and the other would grant exemptions from state environmental laws to certain projects considered to be environmentally friendly.

Sanders on Tuesday urged Gov. Jerry Brown to sign AB 900, saying it  would place time limitations on "frivolous lawsuits'' intended to delay construction.

"I commend the state Legislature for passing a bill that would give San
Diego's future multi-use stadium project—and those planned in other
California cities—the same kind of consideration that a similar bill would give LA's stadium project,'' Sanders said.

The San Francisco 49ers want to build a new stadium in Santa Clara. The measure could also smooth the path toward expansion of the San Diego Convention Center.

"Not only could this bill help our ability to build a new stadium, but it could accelerate other public works projects in the San Diego region, which will provide much needed jobs,'' Sanders said.

The owners of the Chargers have pushed for a new facility for about a
decade to replace Qualcomm Stadium—which is no longer considered worthy of hosting a Super Bowl.

The process has been delayed by difficulties in finding a suitable site and the poor economy.

Team and city officials are now studying a site in the East Village, near Petco Park, and trying to put together a financing package.

City News Service contributed to this report.


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