A proposed new ballpark for the High Desert Mavericks in the Victorville area was voted down last night.
A proposed new ballpark for the High Desert Mavericks (High Class A; California League) in the Victorville area was voted down last night, as the Apple Valley City Council decided against borrowing $25 million.
Even at that level — some $10 million more than what was being discussed this summer — Apple Valley would need to subsidize the ballpark by some $3 million annually, as rent collected from the Mavericks could never pay off the bonds.
Not exactly a surprise. Here's what we wrote in August:
The current financing plan — to have a lease with the Mavericks totally pay for the costs of construction — seems slightly absurd, as it would take a pretty monstrous 20-year lease to pay off a $35-million ballpark — or even a $20-million ballpark. We're guessing when Apple Valley officials sit down with the owners of the Mavericks they'll quickly come to the same conclusion.
Sounds like they did.
The problem now for the Bretts: What to do with the Mavs. Adelanto wants to see the team out, so the team's future there is limited. One other Cal League team is on the market, and we hear there's a buyer sniffing around (more on that at a later date).
RELATED STORIES: Apple Valley moves forward with planning for new Mavericks ballpark
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