Another step toward bringing a new ballpark to Howard Terminal at Jack London Square has been implemented.
On Monday, the A's announced the Board of Port Commissioners voted 7-to-0 to approve a term sheet between the Port of Oakland and the Oakland A's. This will outline the terms for the possible development of approximately 50 acres of property at the terminal.
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"The vote is the culmination of a year of negotiations between the Port and A’s and is an important preliminary step in the process of public and regulatory reviews and real estate negotiations," the A's said in a press release.
“We are grateful to the Board of Port Commissioners,” Oakland A’s President Dave Kaval said. “In November, we announced our vision to build a waterfront ballpark and provide a baseball experience for our fans like no other.
"However, this project is bigger than baseball. It will deliver real economic, civic, and cultural benefits, including job creation and training opportunities; an inclusive approach to economic and community development; and new civic, cultural, and recreational amenities. Today’s vote is an important step in the process and we look forward to continuing to work with the Port, the City of Oakland, and the greater community.”
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Oakland Athletics
As mentioned, this is just another step. More work needs to be done, including an Environmental Impact Report that needs to be completed, the A's securing the right lands use approvals from the City of Oakland, the Port and "a variety of state and regional authorities."
Still, it's moving forward in the right direction and it appears Kaval is living up to his promises that work is being done and actions are being taken.