The Oakland A’s proposal for a new Howard Terminal ballpark took a step forward Monday, as a tentative term sheet was approved by Port of Oakland officials.
Monday’s approval is an early step in a longer process for the A’s, who are pitching a plan that calls for a new 35,000-seat ballpark and surrounding development–featuring housing and other amenities–at the Port of Oakland’s Howard Terminal. The tentative agreement taken up by the port’s Board of Commissioners outlines some terms for the project should it move forward, including a 66-year lease that would see the A’s pay $3.8 million annually for the first 20 years.
There was no dissent among commissioners in approving the agreement, as it moved forward with a 7-0 vote. From here, the A’s have several crucial steps to complete if the Howard Terminal proposal is to become a reality, including additional local and state-level approvals, an environmental impact report, and a final land lease. More from the San Francisco Chronicle:
“It’s a really historic and great day for the A’s and the city of Oakland — a great moment for us to get this unanimous vote by the port commission,” said A’s President Dave Kaval. “It’s really a critical interim step as we move forward with our new privately financed ballpark here at the waterfront.”
Commissioner Joan H. Story proposed an amendment to the term sheet after hearing hundreds of opponents and supporters express opinions to the commission in three tension-filled hours.
Many maritime workers said they thought the project would disrupt their day-to-day work, while supporters said the ballpark was necessary to keep the city’s longtime baseball team in town.
Story’s amendment was intended to ensure development of the new stadium would not interfere with the port’s use or operations. The location where it is being proposed, between Oakland and Alameda, is a key waterway where bar pilots turn around an average of 25 ships per week after unloading and loading cargo at nearby terminals.
The A’s are hoping to open the new ballpark in 2023, though that would depend on the organization obtaining the necessary approvals. In addition to the ballpark and new development at Howard Terminal, the A’s vision includes an elaborate redevelopment of the Coliseum site.
Rendering courtesy Oakland A’s.
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