Bruno punts on stadium vote

 

Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno yesterday nixed Mayor Bloomberg's call for quick action on a proposed West Side football stadium to bolster the city's bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.

He said the Legislature is unsure the project is worthwhile.

Bruno controls one of three votes on the state Public Authorities Control Board, which must unanimously approve the New York Jets project for it to go ahead.

Bruno said he supports the city's Olympic bid, but sees no to reason to decide the stadium issue before IOC picks a host for the Games on July 6. "We're not caught in deadlines having to do with their decision," Bruno said. He added the Legislature remains "wide open as to what should be happening to develop the West Side."

Bruno's blow is the latest setback for Bloomberg. As the top man in the Senate, Bruno holds sway over that body's representative to the board, Ronald Stafford of the Senate Finance Committee.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said Wednesday he didn't see "the logic" in deciding the issue before the IOC acted on a host.

The third vote is held by Gov. Pataki's state budget director, Carole Stone. Pataki supports the stadium.

Leo Standora