How quickly a new ballpark could be built at either site has become a key point in the Issue 11 campaign.

BROADWAY COMMONS		BASEBALL ON MAIN
A key argument in the pro-Broadway campaign is that a ballpark could be built there at least six months sooner than on the riverfront. The land is cleared and the hole is dug, Cincinnati City Councilman Jim Tarbell likes to say. But riverfront backers insist it could take months to negotiate a new deal with the Reds - if one can ever be reached - and to acquire the land for Broadway, which they say eliminates any timing advantage. The Broadway site isn't dependent on the completion of any other construction projects. Before work can begin that interferes with Cinergy Field, the Bengals must be assured they can move into their new home in August 2000. Fort Washington Way reconstruction must be finished to clear a good portion of the site. It's also scheduled for completion in August 2000.		Riverfront proponents argue that work on their site can start in late 1999 or early 2000, depending on whether the Bengals have post-season play at Cinergy Field. They say the county will know well before August 2000 whether the Bengals stadium will be finished on time, and work on the site can start before the highway project is completed. Riverfront backers also argue a ballpark at Broadway would be delayed by the lawsuit that's been threatened if Issue 11 passes. Broadway fans say riverfront supporters should follow the will of the people and forget the lawsuits if Broadway wins.

CONTEXT: Without knowing what the Reds will do if Issue 11 passes, it's impossible to know how quickly a new deal could be reached. It's also impossible to tell how long it would take the county to negotiate prices for the land at Broadway. It took six months to acquire the land for the Bengals' new stadium.

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