New Yankee Stadium Bronx New York

NEW YORK -- Plans for a new ballpark for the New York Yankees moved forward Wednesday when the City Council approved several key aspects of the planned $800 million stadium.

The 45-2 vote cleared the way for some of the team's land-use plans, including a takeover of two public parks as a site for the 53,000-seat stadium, which would be built adjacent to the current ballpark in the Bronx.

Council Speaker Christine Quinn, a vocal opponent of the New York Jets' plan to build a stadium in her district on Manhattan's west side, said the Yankees' plan is a good one by comparison because it includes new parkland and a new commuter train station.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Bronx borough president Adolfo Carrion back the ballpark, which has been approved by the city's planning commission.

The council's finance committee, which is considering whether to help finance the stadium by issuing tax-exempt bonds, will meet on Monday. The Yankees have promised a variety of amenities to the Bronx, including thousands of free tickets for community groups.

Bloomberg said new recreational facilities "will include a running track and soccer field, little league and softball fields, tennis courts, handball courts and a basketball court with bleachers."