City Begins Discussions About Minor League Baseball
The Winchester Economic Development Authority (EDA) has completed a feasibility study concerning recruiting a minor league baseball team and constructing a new stadium in the City of Winchester. The EDA has requested that Council approve a conveyance of park land (approx. 12 acres in the northeast corner of Jim Barnett Park near I-81 and Cork Street) to the EDA for this project.
Proposed Project Details:
- The EDA will pay for the construction of the stadium with bonds and will be the owner of the stadium and 12 acres of land
- The 12 acres of park land will hold the new stadium and additional parking added to better accommodate the expected stadium capacity (approx. 4,000)
- Estimated cost of the stadium is $16 million minus any fees paid for naming rights
- The existing BMX track will be relocated to another location in the park
- The EDA hopes to negotiate a lease with a minor league baseball team and begin construction of the new stadium in 2012
- The project is contingent upon Council’s vote a the February regular meeting, the EDA’s ability to secure a funding package and successful completion of a lease agreement with a minor league team
Council discussed the EDA’s request at a work session on Tuesday, January 24th. An official vote will take place at the February 14th regular Council meeting (7:00 pm, Rouss City Hall, Council Chambers).
ver the next two weeks, the community will have three opportunities to be heard concerning this Winchester Economic Development Authority (EDA) project.
Public Input Opportunity #1
Yesterday, the City’s Office of Public Information launched a minor league baseball informative web page which includes important project information such as a list of frequently asked questions that will continually be updated as questions arise in the community or as this project evolves; press releases; and project information and news.
Local residents are encouraged to check this web page for the answers to their questions. If questions remain after looking over the web page, the City requests that they submit their question to pio@ci.winchester.va.us. Within 24 hours, their question and an answer will be posted to this site.
www.winchesterva.gov/minor-league-baseball
Public Input Opportunity #2
A public open house has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 7th at 7:00 pm in the Jim Barnett Park Social Hall. City staff involved in this project will be available to answer questions, provide details and collect feedback from residents who attend.
Public Input Opportunity #3
A public hearing will be held on February 14th prior to Council’s official vote. At this public hearing, residents can address City Council directly with any concerns or comments.
Short URL: http://www.winchester.daily-monitor.com/?p=11406
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