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Council gets update on proposed downtown baseball park: $160M estimate, relocation plan and phased financing
Summary
Staff updated the council on a proposed downtown baseball park (about 4,500 seats) and a connected four‑phase mixed‑use development, including estimated costs, relocation commitments for affected tenants and a plan to negotiate definitive documents ahead of potential June approvals.
City staff updated the council on Jan. 14 about a proposed downtown baseball park and an associated four‑phase mixed‑use development. Staff described a preliminary project cost estimate of about $160,000,000 for the ballpark and related phase‑1/2 development and said the project would be owned by a local development authority created for the effort.
Relocation commitments: staff said the relocation plan covers 381 units in phase 1 and that eligible households would receive relocation assistance; staff cited an example payment of $2,500 per eligible family in the presentation and said further reconciliation of tenant lists and relocation payments would be provided to council. Members requested a detailed accounting of how many households have received relocation payments, which families were eligible, and how unused relocation funds would be handled.
Financing and schedule: staff described a bond financing approach tied to earlier bond planning (discussed in prior meetings) and said definitive documents (community benefits agreement, financing agreements, development and guarantee agreements) would be negotiated through spring with the goal of presenting final documents for council consideration in June. Staff warned that cost estimates are being updated and that some components—design and construction timing—depend on market conditions and completion of feasibility studies.
Traffic, parking and community benefits: staff said the county will build one additional parking garage near the ballpark, and the city will continue traffic‑safety planning and transit coordination. The proposal includes community benefits commitments (donations to a foundation, youth ticketing programs and vendor/contracting goals), and staff said procurement and contracting goals will be embedded in agreements.
Why it matters: The development would shift a significant sports asset into downtown and trigger multiple infrastructure, housing and financing effects across the city. Council members asked how the city will protect affordability and ensure that community benefits are delivered long term.
Representative quotes: “Es un parque de pelota que va a tener 4500 asientos y la capacidad de 7500 en total,” staff said when summarizing the ballpark design. On relocation, staff said: “Se les va a dar a las familias elegibles 2500 dólares.”
Ending: Staff will reconcile relocation lists, update cost estimates and return to the council with definitive documents and community‑engagement plans ahead of any vote.
