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Los Angeles’ deal with the Dodgers to build a stadium in Chavez
Ravine was indirectly criticized during a congressional hearing on
airport construction funds.
Gen E. R. Quesada, Federal Aviation Agency administrator, didn’t
cite Los Angeles by name when he described cities that have made
"offers of land, construction of stadia and long-term admissions
guarantees to attract major league sports and other forms of
entertainment." The general probably didn’t have to wave a Dodgers’
pennant to make his point, since there was a contingent from Los
Angeles appearing after him. I don’t think he was talking about
Cleveland.
According to a story by The Times’ Don Shannon, Quesada supported a
$200-million bill for airports rather than a $400-million measure
backed by Democrats.
Los Angeles Mayor Norris Poulson, as you might expect, wasn’t too happy with Quesada’s comments.
"What we did was to exchange white elephant land in Chavez Ravine
for Wrigley Field where we needed a recreation center," Poulson said.
"We’ve given far more in aviation than we have for any other activity
in which the federal government is involved."
Poulson was looking for help in funding the LAX construction because
the city had been counting on money included in a bill vetoed by
President Eisenhower. The FAA also increased the cost of the LAX
project by asking for longer runways and other changes.
–Keith Thursby
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