A civic drama that may rival the local filtration plant saga in emotion, if not the number of meetings and rallies, is unfolding in the south Bronx.

While the plans for a new Yankee Stadium have received mostly positive reviews in the city press, reports by our colleagues at the Highbridge Horizon portray a very different reaction among people in the community surrounding the stadium.

Many residents don’t want the city to take Macombs Dam and Mullaly Parks for a new stadium. The promise of new parkland has not convinced those who don’t believe that replacement parkland along the Harlem River will not be accessible to many of the people who now use Macombs and Mullaly. They also fear the affect of construction on those with asthma. Both of these concerns are familiar to Norwood residents who fought the filtration plant for almost identical reasons.

Community Board 4 has voted against the Yankee proposal, but that’s only an advisory opinion. The Borough Board (comprised of Bronx community board chairs, the Council delegation and the borough president), the City Planning Commission, the full City Council and the mayor still have to weigh in.

Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión,. who seems to be cautiously in favor of the Yankees’ plans, is in the hot seat now, trying to balance his desire for a commercial resurgence with residents’ concerns. But that’s why he gets paid the big bucks.

Bronxites interested in getting a better view of the stadium tussle should frequent www.highbridgehorizon.com   For another lively view, complete with analysis of the Environmental Impact Statement, go to www.saveourparks.blogspot.com