Green Bay Bullfrogs owner Jeffrey Royle and partner Smet Construction receive a six-month extension for his new-ballpark development plan.Titletown Entertainment Foundation — made up of the Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) and Smet Construction Services received a six-month extension to their deal for a new ballpark and other development from the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Green Bay. The extension was approved unanimously.
“There have been some very positive things that have taken place over the last 6 months,” said Green Bay Bullfrogs President and Owner Jeff Royle. “I am very pleased with the interest in the project from a community support viewpoint. The business community is stepping up to the plate as well. Just this past week WHEDA has committed up to 20 percent of the project cost with an New Market Tax Credit Allocation. We are currently in negotiations on a 30,000-square-foot food and beverage establishment to go in the left field corner. Some ancillary users have expressed interest in using the proposed facility for outdoor football. Our group has identified at least 60 different events that could become part of this facility. As I promised from the start, this will truly be a community asset.”
"At this time they have addressed all of the items we have asked them to; it’s still a planning option agreement and we have some milestones to overcome, but I think if they keep working hard this project has merit," said Derek Lord, Director of Economic Developement for the City of Green Bay. "This is definitely a use that fits with the long term vision of our downtown and waterfront.”
The plan calls for a $15.7-million ballpark on the Fox River with adjoining docks so fans can attend games after boating on the river. The ballpark would seat 4,500.
“There is still some work to do before a shovel goes in the ground. Its going to take support from the entire community; citizens, community leaders, and the business community, but if all goes well hopefully we will be playing baseball at a downtown facility in 2011,” Royle said.
RELATED STORIES: Green Bay approves Bullfrogs land plan; Royle: We've outgrown Joannes Stadium
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