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Inside the Carrier Dome.

(Katrina Tulloch | ktulloch@syracuse.com)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse University today released its letter to Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner detailing its vision for a new 44,000 seat sports arena with a retractable roof.

The letter, delivered to Miner today, detailed many points that have been reported and rumored in recent weeks about the proposed stadium. It responds to Miner's Jan. 10 letter to SU Chancellor Kent Syverud asking questions about the project.

Written by Irwin P. Raij, a partner in the law firm of Foley & Lardner, SU's consultant for the project, the letter states that the concept, still being developed, has never involved funding from the city of Syracuse, and has not reached a point of formal agreement.

"At no time have any formal agreements with any governmental entities, developers or operators been reached to implement this vision," wrote Raij. "There was no expectation that the city would be part of the plan to fund the construction of the stadium or its operation."

Key points in SU's stadium concept:

a $495 million cost for a 44,000 seat arena with retractable roof. The amount does not include parking or land acquisition.

additional development of a 250-room hotel, over 160 apartments and 150,000 feet of retail space,

no plan for use of the current Carrier Dome or its site

the university would be a tenant, not an owner

four years for construction of the stadium

a public-private financing plan with investment from the state, Onondaga County and the private sector, including SU.

annual capital improvements estimated at $1.5 million. The cost of that and the annual operating expenses would be funded directly by stadium revenue

the favored site is the former Kennedy Square public housing property. It would not be owned by SU

The facility's operating budget would pay for the extra police, fire and other public services needed

property tax arrangements were undecided

no architect has been selected

Letter From Syracuse University to Mayor Miner