When you think NFL football, geology, soils and greenhouse gas emissions are not usually the first things that come to mind.
But if residents have something to say about those issues, LA's planning department wants to hear about it at Wednesday's open house regarding a proposed downtown NFL stadium. A "scoping meeting" -- an opportunity to share concerns and suggestions about the stadium -- is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday in the West Hall of the Convention Center.
Public Notice: EIR Review Meeting
The meeting is a required step in the environmental review process, so don't expect a pep rally atmosphere. The public notice states the purpose of the meeting is to "receive input from the public as to what areas the (Environmental Impact Report) should study. No decisions about the project are made at the scoping meeting."
The notice also states there will be no verbal comments or public testimony, so bring a pen. Written comments should be submitted to the planning department by April 18.
Environmental groups have expressed concerns that planner AEG might pursue legislation that would protecting it from lawsuits over its environmental review process. AEG officials have said they're completing a full environmental review but might seek protections from what they characterize as frivolous lawsuits once the review is complete.
State lawmakers granted an exemption in 2009 for a rival stadium proposal near Los Angeles that nullified a lawsuit over its environmental review.
Los Angeles has not had a professional football team since the Raiders returned to Oakland after the 1994 season. A new stadium is expected to create momentum for a National Football League move, or the creation of a new franchise.
