With total private financing of a new Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) facility seemingly stalled, three Green Bay aldermen are joining ranks to explore public-financing options for a new ballpark.
The Bullfrogs have already put together a pretty cool ballpark plan, calling for a new facility to built on the shores of the Fox River in an area of town that could use some new life; add in a restaurant or bar in the future and you’d have a ready-made entertainment complex.
City officials seem to realize the potential importance of this development, first agreeing to sell the land for the ballpark for $1. Now, three aldermen not noted for their willingness to agree on everything have come together to explore additional financing methods, including tax-increment financing, municipal borrowing and a revolving credit line backed by the city. They’re looking to cover half of the cost of the ballpark, with the Bullfrogs covering the rest.
In exchange, the three aldermen want to see Jeffrey Royle, the Bullfrogs owner, come up with a plan for a year-round facility with free or inexpensive amentities for citizens.
The Bullfrogs are in the fifth year of a five-year lease for Joannes Stadium.
RELATED STORIES: Bullfrogs ballpark moves forward; will not seek city loan for now; Bullfrogs propose scaled-down ballpark; Owner: New Bullfrogs ballpark needs public investment; New Bullfrogs ballpark on hold; Bullfrogs put new-ballpark groundbreaking on hold; Green Bay approves Bullfrogs land plan; Royle: We’ve outgrown Joannes Stadium
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