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Smithfield council approves 20‑year lease with Tobs and $6M design‑build contract for new stadium amid community concerns
Summary
The Town of Smithfield unanimously approved a 20‑year lease with Tobs Baseball (WTBC LLC) and a design‑build contract with Mueter Construction, Inc. for a baseball stadium (GMP $6,000,000). Council members and residents raised questions about site location, traffic, utilities, demolition costs and long‑term taxpayer risk.
The Town of Smithfield on a unanimous voice vote approved entering a 20‑year lease with Tobs Baseball (WTBC LLC) and separately approved a design‑build contract with Mueter Construction, Inc. with a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $6,000,000 to construct a new baseball venue at the community park on Buffalo Road.
The lease described by staff includes nominal payments in the first two years, escalating annual rent beginning in 2028 and periodic 5‑year rollovers. Under the terms presented, the town would retain control of stadium and field naming rights and have priority access to the facility from Nov. 16 to April 30 for town events; Tobs would have exclusive stadium use from May 1 to Nov. 15. Staff told the council the town would pay the facility’s water and sewer costs while Tobs would pay electric utility bills and operate and staff concessions, field maintenance and stadium operations.
Why it matters: council members and residents said the project could bring tourism and sports‑related spending but…
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