Next week will bring a series of hearings on a proposed High Point, NC ballpark, as officials continue to consider the issue.
In recent weeks more details about the ballpark, as well as the larger downtown redevelopment plan it is a part of, have surfaced. A group led by High Point University president Nido Qubein has raised $50 million for the plan, above its intended goal of $38 million, and BB&T is expected to serve as the facility’s naming rights partner. Additionally, the Bridgeport Bluefish (independent; Atlantic League) would move into the facility as early as 2019.
What will be discussed during the coming week is High Point’s role in the plan. The city has pledged $15 million for land acquisition, and could borrow another $30 million for ballpark construction. High Point is asking 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.
Guilford County officials could vote on that proposal on Thursday, September 21, but there will be discussion leading up to that date. Starting with the city, the two governing bodies will conduct their respective public hearings on the plan in consecutive days at the beginning of the week. More from The Greensboro News & Record
At 5:30 p.m. Monday, the High Point City Council will hear from residents about the plan to pay for the stadium. The plan involves asking Guilford County to forgo any extra tax revenue generated by new development in a 649-acre zone around the stadium.
And on Thursday, Guilford County commissioners will hold their own version of the hearing. Commissioners recently chastised the High Point council for not doing this sooner.
The $50 million raised would be allocated toward several features, including a park, event center, and children’s museum. Other development that has been discussed includes a new hotel along with new apartment units. Project backers are hoping to open the ballpark in time for the 2019 season.
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