BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Reds and Hamilton County have compromised on several issues and are poised to review a document they hope stands up as a memorandum of understanding for a new stadium.
But the final detail could be the hardest.
County officials are uncertain of the project's next step if Reds President and Chief Executive Officer Marge Schott refuses to sign an agreement for a ballpark on Main Street at the so-called Wedge site between Cinergy Field and The Crown.
"We'll fall off that bridge if we come to it," County Commissioner Bob Bedinghaus said.
"How we move forward is still up in the air. We're working toward an agreement everybody is comfortable with, and there's not a whole lot of work left to do. We have no back-up plan because we expect that she will sign it."
Major League Baseball (MLB) has reiterated Reds Managing Executive John Allen can sign a stadium deal over Mrs. Schott's objections. There is some question whether she supports the Wedge.
MLB argues Mrs. Schott signed away the right to object on June 12, 1996, when she agreed to a suspension through the 1998 World Series, for insensitive remarks.
Yet MLB still has to convince the county that Mr. Allen's signature is good enough. The county has concerns about state law and possible litigation. Mrs. Schott has had disputes with her limited partners. "Our understanding is that the managing general partner of a partnership has to sign it," Mr. Bedinghaus said.
Mrs. Schott has reportedly yet to see a final draft of the agreement. While a cloud hangs over her role, Mr. Allen is close to striking a deal in which the Reds and county have split their differences pretty much down the middle, a source close to the talks said.
Based on negotiating documents obtained by The Cincinnati Enquirer -->in March, that means:
The county's maintenance contribution would be figured by an escalator clause that increases between 4 percent and 6 percent per year.
The team would pay rent ($2.5 million annually) for about the first nine years. In March, documents showed the Reds offered $2.5 million annually for the first eight years. The county wanted it in the first 10 years.
The sides are trying to accommodate the Reds' desire to operate the facility.
The Reds likely will meet halfway on a schedule of payments. In March, documents showed the county wanted the Reds to make their $30 million contribution before construction begins. The Reds offered $30 million, but not upfront.
Downtown restaurateur Jim Tarbell, leading the bid for a ballpark north of the river at Broadway Commons, warned Monday his group is poised to try to block construction of the Wedge with a petition. He said he needs about 10,000 signatures -- before construction begins -- to challenge zoning.
