The City Council is set to vote Monday on a crucial step that would allow an NFL team to use the stadium temporarily while a permanent stadium is being built. An amendment to the public land ordinance will be discussed.
/*Farmers Field*/ is ready to break ground as soon as a team commits to playing in Los Angeles, but construction won't be completed for about four years.
The amendment would only allow a team to play at the stadium for a maximum of five years. The current ordinance restricts events that would draw a crowd of 20,000 or more to 12 events a year, and out of those events seven are contractually reserved for UCLA. The amendment would allow up to 13 additional events.
The city sees an economic benefit, bringing in money for Pasadena, the Rose Bowl operator and city merchants. But some residents say popular weekend events already increase traffic and noise and contribute to the loss of popular recreational activities around the Rose Bowl. Many have voiced their concerns in the past, saying they would force a referendum on the amendment should it be enacted.
The 7 p.m. meeting will cover that discussion along with an environmental impact report. All residents are welcome at the meeting to voice their opinions.
