Mesa mayor: Cubs site search wide open

MESA, Ariz. -- Williams-Gateway, downtown and the westside are some of the Mesa sites that could become the new spring training home for the Chicago Cubs over the next 30 years.

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith says the hunt for a new Cubs spring training site is wide open.

The search had earlier been narrowed to two east-side locations. Smith says the site selection has been expanded to include all areas of the city.

Soon, Mesa voters will be asked to approve two Cubs-related money issues.

One would increase the hotel-motel tax to 5 percent from 3 percent, raising an estimated $1 million a year to help pay for the stadium.

The other asks permission to spend more than $1.5 million for a sports or entertainment venue.