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Weber, Lowell continue sparring over LeLacheur Park lease

Lowell Spinners owner Drew Weber wants a 10-year deal for $2 million, while the city of Lowell wants a 10-year deal for $2.4 million.
The city of Lowell has let out a Request for Proposals for a 10-year lease of LeLacheur Park after negotiators and Lowell Spinners (short season; NY-Penn League) owner Drew Weber failed to come to an agreement on a deal.

Originally the city wanted to offer a five-year lease, something Weber rejected as being too short, and put that out to RFP, only to see Weber be the only bidder. He then offered a 10-year lease valued at $2 million — $150,000 annually in rent and $50,000 in a capital account — but that was rejected by city officials, who came back with the RFP calling for a minimum of $175,000 in yearly rent. The RFP also will give weight to a proposal featuring a Red Sox affiliate.

Given that no one else in affiliated baseball will be bidding, and since the independent leagues sat out the last round of bidding, it’s a pretty sure bet Weber will be bidding against himself.

RELATED STORIES: Lowell reverses course, will seek bids for 10-year lease for LeLacheur Park; RFP for LeLacheur Park released; don’t expect a bidding war

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