ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) – Northern Virginia’s bid for the Montreal Expos was hurt Friday when Arlington County leaders said they would not support building a ballpark for the team in their area.

Baseball officials, considering a bid from Northern Virginia along with proposals from Portland, Ore., and Washington, D.C., originally hoped to have a decision by the All-Star break, but now say their goal is by the end of September. They want complete financing for a ballpark in place and also say they refuse to be bound by any deadline.

“I’m not sure they’re ever going to make a decision,” Arlington County Board of Supervisors chairman Paul Ferguson said. “It’s not a question of when, it’s a question of if. Major league baseball has failed to make their decision, and it’s time for Arlington County to move on.”

The board met Thursday night in executive session, and with the support of four of five members drafted a letter to Michael Frey, chairman of the Virginia Baseball Stadium Authority, saying they will oppose any rezoning request sought to build a ballpark.

Three of Northern Virginia’s five potential ballpark sites are in Arlington County.

“We’re happy, but we’re going to keep a watchful eye on the county board,” said Sarah Summerville, founder of the group No Arlington Stadium. “There’s going to be a lot of pressure on the board to backtrack and make changes.”

Brian Hannigan, spokesman for the Virginia Baseball Stadium Authority, remained hopeful.

“We’re optimistic that they are serious about moving forward with a relocation decision, and we think it’s going to be favorable for northern Virginia,” he said.

The commissioner’s office did not return a call seeking comment.

To raise revenue, the commissioner’s office moved 22 Montreal home games this year to San Juan, Puerto Rico, but players say they may not approve having home games at two sites next season.

San Juan has bid for all

81 Expos’ home games nexyear.

—

On the Net:

Arlington County Board of Supervisors: http://www.co.arlington.va.us/cbo/

Virginia Baseball Stadium Authority: http://www.baseballinva.org

No Arlington Stadium: http://www.noarlingtonstadium.org

AP-ES-07-18-03 1827EDT