Hamilton County commissioners will consider a proposal Monday that would alter the design of Great American Ball Park so people can more easily walk along Mehring Way and get to Firstar Center.

        Construction managers say the city is willing to move the riverside road slightly to the south, opening up more room for pedestrians.

        Existing plans call for a riverfront park west of the new ballpark and a riverfront entertainment district atop parking garages.

        Arnie Rosenberg, project manager for Great American Ball Park, said the changes would also make it easier for people to drive, bike or even take a future rail service behind the stadium.

        “The city has agreed to make some alignment modifications to Mehring Way that would allow this to happen,” Mr. Rosenberg said.

        The proposal will be considered by commissioners at Monday's staff meeting. Mr. Rosenberg said he also will present a budget and construction schedule update to the commissioners at that time.

        Mr. Rosenberg said the $330 million project is on schedule and on budget so far. About 20 percent of the 3,000 pilings that will support the stadium have been drilled into bedrock, he said.

        “The design process of the ballpark is fairly well complete, with the exception of the interior work,” Mr. Rosenberg said.

        The comments were made at a Riverfront Steering Committee meeting Thursday, where a host of riverfront development issues were discussed, including:

        ãThe completion of Underground Railroad Freedom Center museum's design. The county will begin building the so-called “Block Three” garage, which will act as the pedestal for the museum, beginning in January next year.

        That construction will force cars traveling into Cincinnati over the Roebling Suspension Bridge to be detoured along the new Ted Berry Way to Race Street. The museum's opening has been pushed back until spring 2004.

        ãThe $78 million riverfront park is about to enter the design phase. It is unclear whether the USS Cincinnati submarine will be part of the park, because the sub is so large. The sub would have to sit on a barge nearly one city block long.

        ãHamilton County staff say they are working closely with the Firstar Center to make sure the arena can stage concerts and other events. Firstar Center owners have sued Hamilton County, saying the county improperly took its property when it tore down the bridge linking Firstar Center to Cinergy Field.

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