The fate of the former home of the Columbus Clippers is under debate, as community groups oppose a plan to convert the ballpark into a racetrack.
The fate of Cooper Stadium, the former home of the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League) is under debate, as community groups oppose a plan to convert the ballpark into a racetrack.
The issue: whether a racetrack would negatively impact the surrounding neighborhoods. Community groups say the noise would be too much for a residential area, while proponents say the noise would make a minimal impact for those living within a mile or so of the ballpark.
Arshot Investment Corp. has quite the ambitious agenda for the project, Cooper Park: besides the racetrack utilizing the ballpark grandstand, the development would also include a research center and ancillary development like restaurants and a hotel. The total cost of the project could reach $40 million.
The Clippers and their predecessors played in Cooper Stadium from 1932 through September 2008. The team now play at downtown's Huntington Park.
The city will end up deciding the issue; zoning changes will be required to make the racetrack happen.
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