Dateline Carson – Carson officials today showcased the growing coalition of neighboring cities and regional leaders now backing its NFL stadium project.
They unveiled a giant banner on the proposed 168-acre stadium property next to the busy 405 Freeway that proclaimed the site is the:
“Future Home of Professional Football.”
“Our NFL partners said they wanted to see a regional outpouring of support for our stadium,” said Mayor Albert Robles.
“We have delivered. We have passed the test. Today we are showing the NFL that Carson’s commitment to the stadium is unwavering as is the support of our neighboring communities who recognize that NFL football will be great for the entire region.”
At a news conference this morning, Carson elected officials celebrated the renaming of a street that will be a key artery to the stadium property, Stadium Way.
In April, Carson lawmakers unanimously voted to approve a Chargers-Raiders plan to build — and share — a $1.7 billion football stadium next to the 405 and 110 freeways, just north of Carson’s civic center. The relocation of the teams still is under consideration by the NFL and requires NFL owners’ approval.
“This is not just about Carson and pro football,” said Mr. Robles. “This is about bringing pro football back, big-time, to Southern California.
“The support you see here from city officials from Long Beach to Pico Rivera, from Lynwood to Compton, and Los Angeles to Montebello, shows that the Carson stadium plan is hugely popular,” the mayor said. “In fact, our stadium program is on fire.”
Mr. Robles said Carson’s outreach to gather support from neighboring cities was encouraged by Carson’s NFL partners. They have told him such support can be a great positive when the NFL owners consider franchise proposals to relocate.
Mr. Robles was joined by Carson Councilmembers Lula Davis-Holmes, Jawane Hilton and Donesia Gause, state Sen. Isadore Hall, state Assemblyman Mike Gipson and representatives from seven cities and one school district. Mayor Pro Tem Elito M. Santarina was unable to attend for personal reasons. He sent his best wishes and support for the project.
In recent weeks, a number of cities have passed resolutions supporting the Carson NFL stadium proposal because its construction would create thousands of living wage jobs. In the long run, it would provide a jobs boost as football fans spend more at local hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues.
“Studies have shown that southeast Los Angeles County will significantly benefit from stadium-related jobs,” said Mr. Robles. “As a result, support for this project has been pouring in from all of our neighbors. We are building a coalition of supporters from all parts of the region and we’re not done.”
Among the supporting cities: Long Beach, Bellflower, Signal Hill, Montebello, Pico Rivera, Lynwood and Compton. Los Angeles City Councilmember Joe Buscaino has supported Carson’s plan as has the governing board of the Compton Unified School District. Other cities and school districts are expected to join the coalition in coming days and weeks, including ones from Orange County.
“Carson has gone the extra mile to demonstrate that it will be the greatest home ever for NFL football, not just in Southern California but in the entire nation,” said Councilmember Hilton.
“This project will be huge not only for Carson but also for the regional economy,” said Montebello Mayor Jack Hadjinian. “The economic activity created by stadium visitors and fans will give a tremendous boost to our hotels, restaurants and to other businesses, especially in the hospitality industry.”
“The construction of the stadium will be great for the working men and women of our communities,” said Compton City Councilman Isaac Galvan. “Studies show construction alone will create the equivalent of 16,740 annual jobs and a labor payroll of $1.1 billion.”
“In just eight days 15,000 Carson citizens signed a petition to support city approval of the stadium,” said Carson Councilmember Gause, the former City Clerk. “That is how much Carson loves this project.”
“This stadium will not cost taxpayers a dime,” said Councilmember Davis-Holmes. “What’s not to love about a project that is cost-free to taxpayers and includes all these job and business benefits?”
“Carson is the perfect place for an NFL stadium,” said Carson Mayor Pro Tem Santarina, in remarks made Thursday. “Minutes away from downtown L.A., Orange County and LAX. Great freeway access.”
Mr. Schwada may be contacted at john.schwada@gmail.com