Finally, MLS comes to Portland

In big Timbers news, the Portland City Council provided their official approval of the operating deal between the city and Peregine Sports to bring MLS to the Rose City. The resolution passed by a four to one vote, with Commissioner Amanda Fritz providing the single no vote. She cited concerns about the deal’s effect on the spectator fund and using the funds for other uses, although Commissioner Randy Leonard later refuted most of her arguments. Further items that passed included approval of the initial construction agreement, approval of the zoning changes for PGE Park, and approval of an agreement with Ball Janik LLP to provide consulting services on the stadium redesign. Paulson signed his portions of the agreement this morning, putting the wheels in motion for Portland Timbers MLS to start in 2011.

— Excerpt from OregonLive.com, February 3, 2010