Earthquakes Stadium Deal Clears Final Hurdle
SAN JOSE (KCBS) - The San Jose Earthquakes have won final approval to build a stadium near Mineta San Jose International Airport.
The Planning Commission on Wednesday denied an appeal to block construction because of concerns about the bright lights and noise that would emanate from the 18,000-seat stadium.
KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:
The fans seem ready to say good-bye to Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara.
"It'll be great to have a permanent home here," said Stu Berman, a season ticket holder who drives down from San Francisco for every home game.
Florence Silverman, who lives just 1,200 feet from the stadium site, said she was not looking forward to the first Earthquakes game once construction is done in 2013.
"The soccer stadium has been designed in such a way that it does not accommodate to the noise and the lighting issues that we have continued to present," she said.
Earthquakes owner Lew Wolff said the planning commission's decision comes at a time when few development projects get the green light.
"It's a major go-ahead for us, and it also shows that the city and the community is behind us," Wolff said.
Wolff, who also owns the Oakland Athletics, wouldn't comment on the first question on every reporter's lips—does the $60 million soccer stadium improve the chances of building a baseball stadium in San Jose for the A's?
"Let me savor this for at least 20 minutes," he said.
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