Despite Protests, Temple's Board Of Trustees Votes To Go Forward With New Stadium Proposal
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Despite objections from community members and some Temple University students today, its Board of Trustees voted to move forward with plans to look into building a football stadium in North Philadelphia.
With that vote, the board of trustees approved a $1 million "feasibility study" that will see if the university can build a football stadium in that neighborhood.
Earlier Monday, residents and students clashed with Temple police outside Sullivan Hall as they tried to gain access to the trustee's meeting on the new stadium proposal.
Six community members were allowed inside, but police kept the majority out, including Eyewitness News.
"The noise with the lights and traffic. We would like peace and quiet," Sandy, who lives in the neighborhood where the proposed stadium would be built, said.
For residents who would live in the shadow of the new stadium, it's a quality of life issue.
"Noise levels, parking problems. We already have a stadium. This will only enhance problems we already have," Pauline Brown told Eyewitness News.
Temple officials say the 35,000 seat stadium would let them cut ties with the Eagles, who they pay to rent Lincoln Financial Field for their games.
Mayor Jim Kenney has said he doesn't support the stadium plan and would prefer the Eagles work out a more affordable deal with Temple.
CBS 3's Diana Rocco contributed to this report.
