SAN DIEGO COUNTY - News from Aug. 8, 1994

Decision Due on Downtown Complex: The San Diego City Council will take a big step tonight toward a new $156-million downtown sports and entertainment arena if it votes, as expected, to authorize the Center City Development Corp. redevelopment agency to begin a feasibility study for the new structure. The council, which sits as the city’s redevelopment board, is also expected to authorize the Arena 2000 development firm to begin formal negotiations to land a professional hockey or basketball franchise, CCDC President Peter Q. Davis said. The study will detail San Diego’s financial contribution, with and without a sports team tenant. However, San Diego Mayor Susan Golding has said she would not endorse construction of the arena unless a professional team is committed to occupy it. The arena would be built on a four-block area within walking distance of the San Diego Convention Center that the city would acquire and contribute to the development package.