A group has formed to channel public frustration with the $400.3 million price tag of the Bengals' new stadium complex.
Citizens for Major League Sanity will hold its first public meeting at 7 p.m. tonight at Caddy's Complex, said leader Tim Hershner.
The group wants donations and volunteers to circulate petitions asking Hamilton County commissioners to put a $544 million cap on spending for two new sports stadiums. That's the estimate used during the 1996 campaign to increase the county sales tax by a half-cent to pay for stadium construction.
Rather than cutting back what the county would spend on a new home for the Reds, it would require commissioners to lower the price of the football stadium, Mr. Hershner said.
The group also is asking Cincinnati City Council not to transfer city land for the stadium until the commissioners set the price ceiling.
The group includes downtown lawyer Tim Mara, who led the fight against the sales tax increase.
Hamilton County Commissioner John Dowlin said Tuesday he understands frustration with the stadium cost, but he can't support what he termed the group's ''unrealistic request.''
The group can be reached at 784-9870.
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