City 'satisfied' with soccer stadium talks, backs off evicting Rhinos

Operators of Capelli Sport Stadium can stay, for now, as the city let an eviction deadline pass on Monday, eying a potential agreement.

“The city and the tenant are actively engaged in negotiations, and the city is satisfied with the progress of the negotiations," city Corporation Counsel Tim Curtin said in an emailed statement. "We do not see a need to enforce the deadline at this time while we make progress in our discussions.”

The city had already extended the deadline from Feb. 28 for the Rochester Rhinos to vacate the city-owned downtown soccer stadium. Officials did not elaborate on the negotiations or reason for optimism.

More: City extends deadline for Rhinos to vacate stadium

Rochester plans to boot Rhinos from stadium. Owners' response: Not so fast

Rhinos owners David and Wendy Dworkin's decision to not field a team in the USL for the 2018 season put them at odd with city officials, who argued the Dworkins were therefore in default of their lease as stadium operator.

Reached Monday afternoon, David Dworkin said only that the Rhinos remained actively involved in negotiations with the city. The Dworkins first received notice back on Jan. 19 that they needed to vacate the facility.

BDSHARP@Gannett.com