A long debate came to an end on Tuesday, when the Anaheim City Council signed off on a once-controversial development outside of Angel Stadium.
The initiative by LT Global Investment was approved by the Anaheim planning commission this summer, despite the objections of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Angels, who were looking to create their own development that would pay for Angel Stadium upgrades, had voiced concern about LT Global’s plan, which takes over a section of the Angel Stadium parking lot.
In September, the city council postponed its vote on LT Global’s plan, a move that was apparently done to give all interested parties–including the Angels–more time to evaluate the proposal. The vote, which came after discussions between LT Global and the Angels, passed without opposition from the Angels. More from Voice of OC:
“We talked. It’s what neighbors do, and we were pleased to resolve their operational concerns,” said LT Global Spokesman Steve Greyshock. “It was really a positive outcome for all involved and we look forward to a long, constructive relationship with Angels Baseball.”
Councilwoman Kris Murray asked city staff to work with Angels Baseball to study traffic issues around the stadium.
“The Angels have been an important part of the fabric of our community…we want to make sure there are no adverse impacts on the stadium,” Murray said.
Going forward, it will be interesting to see how the Angels address their current situation at Angel Stadium. The Angels have been vying for either significant renovations or a new ballpark, with a move to Tustin previously viewed as an option.
Now that Tustin has fallen through, however, the Angels are likely to remain in Anaheim for the time being. Without public money for upgrades on the table, the Angels could either pursue their previous development plans, consider other options, or ride out their lease at Angel Stadium. Unless they exercise an opt-out clause and find a ballpark by 2019, the Angels’ lease will run until 2029.
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