During a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing plans for a new baseball stadium and the associated impacts on downtown. The administration is currently coordinating with various partners to ensure a quality experience for park attendees, including considerations for worker logistics. However, detailed plans are not expected to be finalized until early 2025.
Council members expressed urgency regarding the timeline for the stadium plans, highlighting community concerns about potential effects on the downtown area. One council member urged the administration to avoid overwhelming implementation of multiple initiatives simultaneously, advocating for a more measured approach to adopting new technologies.
A significant point of discussion was the need for a surveillance ordinance. One council member emphasized the importance of having a clear policy in place before the introduction of smart technologies, reiterating that the administration should present a policy when proposing new tech initiatives. This call for clarity comes after years of discussions without concrete policies being established.
Additionally, the meeting included a correction regarding past expenditures on the State Street garage, with the city having spent $6.1 million in 2013 and an additional $11 million in 2018 for expansions.
As the council continues to navigate these developments, the focus remains on ensuring that community interests are prioritized in the planning and implementation processes.