St. Paul soccer stadium gets early vote next week

St. Paul officials are weighing a vote on a soccer stadium proposed for a vacant corner in the city's Midway district.

Two City Council members are offering a resolution in support of the soccer stadium. It was included in a council agenda for consideration next week. It could be the city's first official action on a proposed soccer stadium at Interstate 94 and Snelling Avenue. But a "yes" vote would be non-binding and would not commit city property or funds.

The statement of support says a stadium could be a catalyst for future development. But it also says the city would support a property-tax exemption if the stadium is privately funded. That exemption has proven a controversial request by Minnesota United, the soccer team that missed a July deadline to get a similar deal in Minneapolis.

The St. Paul resolution is co-authored by Council Member Dai Thao, whose ward includes the site. The council is scheduled to take up the resolution at its meeting Wednesday afternoon.