SAN DIEGO -- The Chargers are expected to unveil Thursday a proposal to build a $400 million stadium, with taxpayers taking on half the cost.

San Diego Chargers executives are expected to make a presentation on the proposal at a meeting in San Ysidro of the Citizens' Task Force on Chargers Issues.

Discussion

SOUND OFF Are The Chargers Important To San Diego?

Under the proposal, taxpayers would pay half the cost of building a new stadium on the current 166-acre Qualcomm Stadium site.

Video

Chargers Say City Would Make Money Off Stadium

Mark Fabiani, special counsel to Chargers President Dean Spanos, said that the team envisions using 100 acres of the site to build a stadium covering 25 acres, surrounded by parking and open space.

"We think the Qualcomm site, if it were better utilized, could generate new revenue the city does not have access to," Fabiani said.

Under the plan, the city would find a developer to purchase or lease the remaining 66 acres to build an urban village with a mix of retail shops, housing and a 300-room hotel.

The proposal provides for the city to own the 100 acres on which the new stadium would stand, and for the team to sign a 25- to 30-year lease, with the rent to be negotiated, Fabiani said.

He said he expects the city's contribution to come in the form of a public 20-25-year bond.

One City Council member criticized the idea.

"When we are facing a $100 million deficit (in the city), facing layoffs and cuts in basic public services, given those financial realities, to say their timing is poor is likely the understatement of the century," Councilwoman Donna Frye, whose district includes Qualcomm Stadium.

Another outspoken critic is attorney Michael Aguirre, who has taken the team to task before.

"It's the kind of thing you see from people who are out of touch. We need to keep our schools open," Aguirre said.

Fabiani said that he understands the city's financial situation, which is why the team is proposing a plan that pays for itself. He said commercial development of the 66 acres would "net well in excess of the public's investment."

He said the Chargers and the NFL would pay $200 million for the new stadium, with the NFL's contribution likely to be a loan to the team.

The task force meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at:

San Ysidro Middle School
4345 Otay Mesa Rd.