Minnesota Twins' Ballpark Dispute Heads for Mediation

A mediation hearing is set for today to "try to settle" the Twins' ballpark land dispute, as the owners of the downtown Minneapolis property filed court papers "indicating they still want to be paid at least" $65 million for the site, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

The move by the landowners, led by Land Partners II, a limited liability partnership, signaled that after months of negotiating, the issue may be far from resolved. The $65 million figure was included in a formal appeal filed this week by the landowners, which challenged a $23.8 million award by a condemnation panel in August.

Since last year, Hennepin County, which is providing major funding for the stadium through a countywide sales tax, has been trying to reach a price settlement with the landowners after acquiring title to the property by filing for condemnation.

Despite the legal skirmishing, construction on the ballpark "is progressing and officials said they will meet a 2010 completion date," the newspaper said.