Guilford County Commissioners are set to consider a proposed High Point ballpark plan later this month, as a public hearing has been scheduled.
Several details relating to the plan came to light earlier this week, when a group led by High Point University president Nido Qubein announced that it had raised $50 million for a downtown redevelopment project that is slated to include the ballpark. The Bridgeport Bluefish (independent; Atlantic League) could move into the facility as early as 2019, while BB&T is expected to become the ballpark’s naming rights partner.
The City of High Point, meanwhile, has pledged $15 million for land acquisition, and could borrow another $30 million for ballpark construction. As part of that plan, the city has asked Guilford County to forgo any additional tax revenue generated within the 649-acre zone for the project, with the extra tax revenue used for up to 20 years to pay off the loan for the ballpark.
County commissioners will consider that proposal during a public hearing that has been scheduled for September 21, and some officials are showing signs of skepticism about the proposal. More from the Greensboro News & Record:
Only one commissioner, High Point’s Carlvena Foster, has offered her unqualified support.
The rest have offered opinions that range from lukewarm to skeptical.
On Thursday, commissioners continued to complain about a lack of information, inconsistent data and “sloppy” work by the county’s tax department in calculating the tax value of the 649-acre zone.
They also say they need more information about the risk to taxpayers should the project fail.
“The people of High Point are the people of Guilford County,” Commissioner Alan Perdue said. “To me, there are more questions than answers on many things.”
The $50 million raised would be allocated toward a park, event center, and children’s museum. Project backers are hoping to open the ballpark in time for the 2019 season.
RELATED STORIES: Details Released on High Point Ballpark Plan; High Point Ballpark Plan Pitched at Meeting; Groups Interviewed for High Point Ballpark Proposal; New High Point Ballpark Part of Larger Downtown Redevelopment Plan; Atlantic League Interested in New High Point Ballpark