Ballpark Fits; Proceeds for EP Charities

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Representative Susie Byrd's office sent out this email announcement this morning regarding the ballpark:

"The City’s Engineering and Construction Management Department  has retained Populous, Inc. consulting to produce conceptual designs and a program for the stadium that establishes the dimensions and elevations of the stadium as well as its relationship to the surrounding streets and buildings. 

"They have produced some work that shows in no uncertain terms that the stadium fits the City Hall site.  The City Hall site consists of the Insights Museum and adjoining parking lot, City hall and its parking lot and surrounding area.  The survey performed on the site shows it to be almost 5 acres.  The area is bounded by Durango St., Missouri St., Santa Fe St., and the Union Pacific Trainway.  In producing the concept, the ballpark has been placed where its footprint is not over the trainway, but access to the park could be from over the trainway on the south side.  

 

"The conceptual plans show the ballpark fits comfortably within the bounds, giving a unique and intimate park and still providing adequate dimensions for the playing field.  There will be a 360 degree concourse, program areas for restaurants and concessions as well as play areas for children and other amenities

"In the very near future, a Request for Qualifications will be released from the Engineering and Construction Management Department soliciting Architects for the actual detailed design of the stadium.  It is one of many actions that will be taken to City Council subsequent to the approval of the team purchase by the Pacific Coast League and approval of a Lease Agreement between the Mountain Sports Group and the City Council. 

"Additionally, we are currently having a traffic study performed to establish how much of the surrounding streets could be taken into the ballpark to maximize land use without negatively affecting the circulation of the surrounding area." 

Here is the letter from City Engineer Alan Shubert:

Memo_ AAA Ballpark 08 29 12

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Mountain Star Sports Group announced yesterday that all of their profits will go to local charities. That announcement was heralded yesterday by Rep. Cortney Niland's office: 

"Dear Friends and Neighbors:

"AAA baseball is a great economic opportunity for the City of El Paso.  Our City is growing so very fast and with growth comes growing pains. It is only through the dedicated efforts of a local business group to purchase a team at a premium price and the City Council's commitment to host the team in a new downtown facility that we are faced with this opportunity, dialogue and conflict.

"Mountain Star Sports Group announced today their intention to donate all Baseball profits proceeds to charitable causes in El Paso. I hope this gesture reinforces the spirit of this public/private partnership and further reiterates that the Baseball project is not about profits but geared towards improving the quality of life of all El Pasoans.

"The focus on relocating City Hall has overshadowed the excitement that should accompany this great opportunity for our community.    The reality is that the decision to relocate City Hall occurred in 2009 when the City Council decided not to make any further significant investments to improve and modernize the building.   At that time the City Council determined that City Hall should be located in the government center of downtown and that the current site held for a future redevelopment opportunity.    Some concepts previously explored included a new multi-purpose event and entertainment facility; a mixed use commercial/hotel/retail project; and conceptual charrettes as part of Plan El Paso.   However, the consistent theme has been that there is a better and more productive use for the City Hall site than the current activities.

"AAA Baseball was the first serious economic development opportunity to present itself that was worthy of moving City Hall.   The economic direct spending impact of AAA baseball is estimated to be between $15-18 M annually.  The ROI occurs between years 6 and 10.   This should not be lost because of the drama surrounding moving City Hall.   This project will change our national status to one of 30 cities hosting AAA professional baseball in this country.   It also will be a huge redevelopment boost to downtown, as has been documented and demonstrated by numerous other cities that have made similar investments in recent times.

"If we allow this opportunity to pass us by, it will be years if not decades before we are ever again seriously considered for professional sports.   Equally as important, any future private sector group wanting to undertake a major project in El Paso will think twice about our city as a serious partner.  

"There is a lot a stake besides demolishing a building.   Our reputation as a serious national player is on the table.   Every community that undertakes this type of initiative faces opposition, yet they struggle forward because the long-term vision and gains are worthy of the challenge and conflict.   I hope we will follow these same footsteps and leap forward with this bold adventure."

Sincerely,

Cortney Niland