The decision where to build a new ballpark for the Richmond Flying Squirrels (Class AA; Eastern League) should not be left to voters in a November referendum, according to a city committee recommendation.
Though the recommendation from the Organizational Development Committee doesn’t technically kill the proposal, it does send a clear signal that the full council is highly unlikely to ask voters to choose between Shockoe Bottom and the Boulevard — where The Diamond is located — as the site for a new ballpark. The issue, according to opponents of the referendum, had nothing to do with the merits of a new ballpark, but rather a desire to avoid putting land-use decisions up to the general populace.
RELATED STORIES: Richmond ballpark location may be decided by voters; New Richmond ballpark: on or off?; Shockoe Bottom gaining momentum as Flying Squirrels ballpark site?; Progress made on new Richmond ballpark: McEacharn; MiLB squirrelly about new Richmond ballpark; Flying Squirrels: New ballpark still a priority; Flying Squirrels extend Diamond lease, setting stage for ballpark improvements; Experts: Downtown ballpark could revitalize Richmond; Squirrels: No plans to leave Richmond “at the present time”; Didn’t take long: Opposition rises to Richmond Shockoe Bottom ballpark site; Richmond ballpark discussion shifts back to Shockoe Bottom; Manchester in play as well; Richmond: Yes, we really do intend on building a new ballpark; Budget issues postpone Squirrels ballpark to 2015 at the earliest; New Richmond ballpark by 2014?; DiBella: Time to start talking new ballpark; Flying Squirrels throw out first offer on new ballpark; Baseball returns to Richmond’s Diamond — but for how long?
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