Despite protests and increasing opposition to a proposed Warm Springs ballpark site, Oakland A’s owner Lew Wolff says his first option is still a Fremont ballpark.
Despite protests and increasing opposition to a proposed Warm Springs ballpark site, Oakland A’s owner Lew Wolff says his first option is still a Fremont ballpark.
His comments came before the San Jose / Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, a group that would love to see a new ballpark in downtown San Jose.
The A’s have abandoned plans for a multiuse development in Fremont’s Pacific Commons area and instead are focused on a site near a new Warm Spring BART station. The site is also located near an existing neighborhood and elementary school, and neighbors are fearful of the ballpark’s impact on both.
If anything, opposition to the Warm Spring site is increasing, as opponents are mobilizing effectively. And without a solid plan to deal with their concerns (the A’s have proposed private security in the area, but nothing specific), it’s hard to see the A’s winning this argument. Wolff does have the green light to pursue other communities from Commissioner Bud Selig; we’re wondering what it will take for him to pull the trigger.
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