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Laney College Groups Balk at A’s Ballpark Plan

Coliseum City, Oakland

A proposed Oakland A’s ballpark at a nearby site is being criticized by groups from Laney College, as several organizations are opposing the plan. 

As announced in September, the A’s are pursuing a site near Laney College as a location for a new ballpark that would replace the Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum. Situated between Lake Merritt and Interstate Highway 880, the site is controlled by the Peralta Community College District and has been noted as having a few advantages–including access to the Lake Merrit BART Station, and close proximity to amenities in downtown Oakland and the surrounding neighborhoods.

While the proposal has its share of supporters, it has been controversial in some circles, including certain groups connected to Laney College. Various organizations representing students, staff, and faculty have recently voiced their opposition to a new A’s ballpark at the site, with some expressing concerns that it could displace students and residents that are currently in the area. More from CBS SF Bay Area:

The Laney College Faculty Senate previously voted to oppose the stadium.

The California Faculty Association’s East Bay Chapter, which represents the faculty at 23 California State University campuses, including the 3 campuses of Cal State East Bay, passed a similar resolution last month.

“We need to protect Laney College as a public resource,” Laney psychology instructor Kimberly King, who’s an executive council member of Teachers Local 1603, said in a statement.

King said, “As faculty, we’re committed to our students and the Oakland community. The A’s proposed stadium would accelerate the development of luxury housing and push out long-time Oakland residents, including our students.”

In order to build a ballpark at their preferred location, the A’s will have to work out several major details, including an agreement with the Peralta Community College District to gain access to the site. The team has estimated a 2023 opening for the facility, and selected this site after considering a few other options, including the Oakland Coliseum and Howard Terminal.

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