Ballpark suit runs into cash barrier

Article by: Mary Jane Smetanka , Star Tribune
Updated: November 15, 2007 - 9:21 PM

Judge rules that he won't consider halting construction of the Twins stadium unless opponent can post a bond of $45 million in the two weeks.

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Environmental activist Leslie Davis has some fundraising to do if he wants to continue his fight to halt construction of the Twins stadium until more environmental review is conducted.

Hennepin County District Judge Kevin Burke ruled this week that Davis needs to come up with some quick cash -- more than $45 million in the next two weeks -- to proceed with his motion to halt ballpark construction.

On Thursday, Davis said he was "shocked" by the ruling and said he'll ask Burke for reconsideration or amended findings.

Burke ruled that Davis had not proven the need for Hennepin County to do more analysis of health implications for fans who attend games at the stadium, which is near the county garbage burner.

"Mr. Davis has failed to demonstrate that the ballpark would pollute, impair, or destroy any natural resource, including people," Burke wrote.

He said Hennepin County had shown that the stadium would be less damaging to the environment than the Metrodome, because it seats fewer people and will have better access to mass transit.

"There is nothing in the record before this Court which would suggest a finished stadium represents a threat to the environment," the ruling said.

The county showed that it would suffer major financial losses if stadium construction is interrupted, Burke wrote. Adding up the costs of construction delays, lost tax revenue and a delay in issuing revenue bonds, he set a $45.628 million bond as the price to continue the suit.

Davis has until Nov. 30 to come up with the money. In an e-mail, he said that while the ballpark itself may not create a pollution problem, fans deserve to know the quality of the air they will be breathing there.

Mary Jane Smetanka • 612-673-7380

Mary Jane Smetanka • smetan@startribune.com