To say we’re going to be in for a contentious debate over the location of a new ballpark in Richmond is an understatement. (Assuming there is a new ballpark; we’re not entirely sure a proposed $763 million redevelopment project in the city won’t collapse under its own weight at some point, dragging the ballpark down with it.) The issue, really, comes down to suburban access to the ballpark.To say we’re going to be in for a contentious debate over the location of a new ballpark in Richmond is an understatement. (Assuming there is a new ballpark; we’re not entirely sure a proposed $763 million redevelopment project in the city won’t collapse under its own weight at some point, dragging the ballpark down with it.) The issue, really, comes down to suburban access to the ballpark. The Diamond, the former home of the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League), was on the outskirts of town and easily accessible to suburbanites — a necessity because area counties contributed financially to construction costs. With the downtown ballpark, the city is basically going it alone — and apparently doesn’t need a large measure of suburban support, though we’re not entirely sure anyone bringing a team into the city would actually agree with that assessment. Also, you can expect a huge battle regarding the Shockoe Bottom site: it was the former home of the slave trade in the city — and, by extension, the nation — and there are many in the community who want to see that history exposed via historical displays and careful restoration. The Highwoods development plan for Shockoe Bottom includes an installation to explain that history, but it may not be enough to placate the hardcore in the community. There are so issues that must need to be overcome before a new ballpark happens; we don’t envy Highwoods Properties.