By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Erie County Executive Chris Collins said Friday that it's too early to know if a new stadium would be part of negotiations to keep the Bills in Buffalo.
Collins held a news conference to clarify remarks he made earlier. He originally indicated that he thought an expensive, new stadium would be needed to seal any future deal. But Collins says that is merely something that might be on the table in three years when negotiations begin.
Collins says it's his job to grow the area and make it a viable place to keep the team.
Meanwhile, Congressman Brian Higgins is asking the NFL to allow community ownership of the Buffalo Bills. Higgins wrote a letter to Commissioner Roger Goodell asking the league to consider an amendment to its constitution allowing community ownership. He says the Bills are a "regional treasure" and a part of the fabric of this community.
A similar community ownership arrangement has been used for years in Green Bay, but is no longer allowed by the league. His request comes after the Bills officially announced they would be playing some of their home games in Toronto, sparking fears the franchise could leave someday.
