St. Paul OKs $18.4M for infrastructure at soccer stadium site

The St. Paul City Council on Wednesday night approved an agreement that would put up $18.4 million in public funds to build infrastructure at the planned Major League Soccer stadium near Snelling Avenue and Interstate 94.

The vote came after a public hearing, in which stadium supporters outnumbered stadium detractors.

"I'm concerned about the consequences of not acting on this opportunity to make my neighborhood — our neighborhood — a more safe, more pedestrian-friendly, more active place to be for all," said Adam Jarvi. "Hopefully, we can turn the Midway into something that we can all be proud of again."

But Tom Goldstein, who also lives in the Midway area, asked what public good comes from the stadium when there are no guarantees that there will be development nearby.

"You have no deals. This is pure speculation," he said. "And this $18 million. This is real money. This is money that can't get spent on other things."

The stadium will cost about $150 million, which Minnesota United team owners say will be paid for with private funds. It is expected to bring redevelopment in the surrounding area, including new retail and residential buildings.

The city's port authority is expected to put up about $1.5 million in public funding for the project. The city will ask the Minnesota Legislature for a property tax exemption for the 12-acre stadium site and a sales tax exemption for construction materials.