Bronx residents have mixed feelings about the proposed Yankee Stadium as well as the proposed community benefits program.

Last week, the Yanks proposed a program to donate $1 million a year for 40 years to Bronx community groups. As part of the program the team will distribute 15,000 free tickets each season to Bronx groups. Some residents feel the Yankees are trying to win people over to get their stadium built.

However, others believe the team truly wants to give back to the community. Many residents say the new stadium will create new possibilities for the neighborhood. The project proposal says 25 percent of the construction work on the stadium will be completed by Bronx-based companies.

City Council members still have to approve the community benefits program. A vote on the stadium proposal is scheduled for April 5. If approved, construction would begin this summer and be completed by opening day 2009.

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