"Stadium Plan Criticized at Hearing" NY Times 03/29/06

STADIUM PLAN CRITICIZED AT HEARING

The New York Yankees were on the defensive yesterday at a packed City Council hearing on their proposal to build a new $800 million stadium in the Bronx. Randy Levine, president of the Yankees, sought to emphasize the team's long history in the Bronx by showing a short video featuring Yankee players. Reggie Jackson, who is now a special adviser to the team, testified in support of the stadium. But Councilwoman Helen Diane Foster, whose district includes the South Bronx, and several other council members criticized the team for not doing more to help the community surrounding the stadium, which remains one of the poorest in the nation. Supporters say the stadium will bring new jobs and revitalize the Bronx, while opponents say that it will take away valuable parkland. The City Council is expected to vote on the stadium on April 5. WINNIE HU (NYT)