Jul 22, 2008 7:28 pm US/Eastern
Defense Rests In Braman Megaplan Trial
Norman Braman Wants Plan Put To Public Vote
The Defense Has Rested Its Case
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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Miami Marlins Stadium Sketch
The trial over a proposed "megaplan," including a new stadium for the Florida Marlins, is getting closer to a conclusion, as defense attorneys rested their case on Tuesday afternoon.
Closing arguments in the civil case could get underway as early as Wednesday. Then, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jeri Beth Cohen will weigh the competing claims before rendering her decision. There has been no hint as to how long that will take. Whatever the outcome, all sides agree the matter will be appealed to a higher court.
Earlier in the day, an assessment was made that if Miami wants to be viewed as a 'major league' city, it's important to keep Major League Baseball right here. That was the observation of the president of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, on the stand Tuesday.
"Baseball is just so critical to really being a major league city, a great American city," said Miami Chamber President Barry Johnson. He talked about the 'intangibles' like community pride; he said that makes the Marlins an important part of the community fabric.
Meanwhile outside the courtroom, laborers and activists stood outside rallying for a say in what the city should do. Many jobless laborers are saying they need the jobs that construction of the stadium will create, but others say the city and county need to give citizens a say in the plan.
Auto tycoon Norman Braman filed a suit challenging the megaplan because of the proposal to build a $515 million dollar stadium for the Marlins in Little Havana.
In his suit, Braman claims the megaplan should be put up for a public vote since the plan diverts public money intended to help renovate urban areas.
Monday on the stand, former Governor Jeb Bush's economic advisor Tony Villamil discussed the economic benefits the new ballpark would bring to the area.
Braman's attorney Bob Martinez challenged Villamil's predictions for the economic stimulus the park would bring to Little Havana and the surrounding areas since the Marlins have refused to hand over their financial records, and he had to base his testimony on a study he did in 2001 for former team owner John Henry.
Besides the ballpark, the megaplan would build a tunnel to the Port of Miami, pay off debt at a performing arts center, start a downtown trolley system and build a museum park.
The Marlins hope to begin play in the new 37,000-seat stadium in 2011.
(© MMIX CBS Television Stations. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed material for this report)
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