Legendary 49ers Hall-of-Famer Joe Montana has big plans for his alma mater's new stadium grounds--but Santa Clara city manager Jennifer Sparacino is giving him the block.
Together with investors including former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr., Montana proposed a plan to purchase the two plots of city-owned land across from the new 49er stadium and develop a luxury hotel, restaurant, bar, and entertainment center to coincide with the stadium's opening in 2015. But late Friday, Sparacino delivered a memo recommending that the council deny his request. San Jose Mercury News reports:
Sparacino wants to give all developers a chance next year to submit their best mixed-use hotel proposal--and to prove their worth by citing interested hotels and funding partners. The open bid process is a common practice when officials lease city-owned land, and she isn't making an exception for the four-time Super Bowl champion and local hero. "A competitive developer process would ensure the city realizes its highest and best value for its long-term ground leases," Sparacino wrote in a memo to the council.
Montana plans to personally present the project to the Santa Clara city council on Tuesday night, but supporters worry that the memo could cause Montana to walk with his offer. Others find Sparacino's concern unwarranted. According to CBS San Francisco:
(Santa Clara) Mayor Jamie Matthews said he still likes Montana's proposal. "It'll be fully funded," he said. "There won't be any city subsidies whatsoever, so it will be nothing but a cash cow for the city."
The plans for development are still unsure, but one thing is for certain: All eyes will be on the Comeback Kid this Tuesday night.