Lawsuit challenging Marlins ballpark financing goes forward

5/9/2008 3:42 PM

MIAMI (AP) -Auto magnate Norman Braman's lawsuit challenging a huge Miami project that includes a new stadium for the Florida Marlins will go to trial in July.

A judge in Miami-Dade Circuit Court decided Thursday to let the lawsuit go forward. Braman claims the $3 billion plan is unconstitutional because of the way it is financed. Besides the 37,000-seat ballpark and parking garage, the plan calls for construction of a tunnel to Miami's port, a new downtown trolley line and money for the arts.

The judge did toss out the lawsuit's claims that the agreement was reached in secret in violation of state law. A key legal issue for the trial beginning July 1 is whether the projects serve a ``paramount public purpose.''

The Marlins hope to begin play in the new stadium in 2011.