Neighbors file suit over NFL at Rose Bowl

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PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Pasadena, Calif., officials say they're not surprised a group of residents filed suit to try to prevent the NFL from putting a team in the Rose Bowl.

The lawsuit filed this week takes issue with the environmental impact report on the proposal to host a pro team at the venerable college stadium.

Victor Gordo, a Pasadena City Council member and president of the Rose Bowl Operating Co., told the Los Angeles Times officials had expected stadium-area residents to object.

He said he is confident the EIR meets all legal requirements.

"Any potential deal that results from those discussions would have to be respectful of the surrounding parkland and neighborhoods," Gordo said. "It would (also) have to make financial sense for both the city and the stadium."

The EIR was filed last year in support of a proposal to increase the number of events held annually at the Rose Bowl from 12 to 25, which critics say will increase traffic, noise and air pollution in the area.

People living near the stadium allege the city railroaded the EIR through to position Pasadena as a potential NFL host.

There are no current plans to relocate an NFL team to the Los Angeles area.