Judge Green Lights Ball Park

Statement from City Attorney, Sylvia Firth

"The City’s legal team is still evaluating the full effect of Judge Sulak’s ruling. However, it is safe to say the judge has cleared the way for the City to issue bonds and execute the venue project as approved by the voters. All requests for injunctive relief to stop the project were denied. Additionally, Judge Sulak did impose a requirement for a $1M bond, in the event the interveners appealed his ruling.

"From the bench, the judge stated his reluctance to direct City Council’s actions and did not want to interfere with  the legislative branch of government on how to act with regard to the petitions and the ballot. The final action with regard to the petition will be considered by City Council on Tuesday, February 26, 2013."

Ballpark Fits; Proceeds for EP Charities

Click on image to enlarge.

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

Click on title or icon on bottom right-hand corner to enlarge.

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

Take Me Out to the Ballpark . . . and the Arena

Mayor Cook’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Committee on PSB Land Management met yesterday. You can read my post on what happened.  That post includes the complete presentation on land management given by Pat Adauto. It’s an education. It also includes the resolution proposed by the PSB and passed by the Committee as that resolution was finally amended. Finally, the good news: the Committee rescinded its earlier proposal which in essence stripped the PSB of its land management role especially determining inexpediency.

The ballpark issue remains controversial. This evening several City Council representatives are giving town hall meetings to discuss that issue.  City Representatives Steve Ortega, Dr. Michiel Noe, Cortney Niland, Ann Morgan Lilly, Emma Acosta and Susie Byrd will host these meetings from 7 to 8 p.m.  The purpose of the meetings was announced this way: “City Reps. want to ensure that the public has the correct information on the downtown ballpark project.”

Meeting locations are as follows: 

• Mission Valley Regional Command - 9011 Escobar Dr. (Ortega & Noe)
• Westside Regional Command - 4801 Osborne Dr. (Niland & Lilly)
• Nolan Richardson Rec. Center - 4435 Maxwell Ave. (Acosta & Byrd)

Get more information online as well.

Whether you approve or disapprove the new ballpark or tearing down City Hall and the Insights Museum (and these are emotionally charged issues), there seems to be a common perception that the deals went down in the dark of night without citizen input or involvement. What adds to the alarm is that these issues are coterminous with the Quality of Life Bonds and in the context of an economy still hurting which translated means that people are still hurting. One of the Quality of Life bonds is titled “MUSEUM, CULTURAL, PERFORMING ARTS, AND LIBRARY FACILITIES PROPOSITION”. Hidden in that is the downtown arena. I for one am having a hard time justifying building an arena/performing arts facility when we are building a ballpark, HOT tax notwithstanding.

Finally, and this is what has bothered me the most and keeps bothering me – there is a persistent rumor that the City Manager’s undisclosed plan is to tear down the Abraham Chavez Performing Arts Center (and, of course, Convention Center) and replace it with that “arena” per the bond. Symphony lovers have long complained about the acoustics of the Plaza theater and have indicated a preference for Chavez Center. Unfortunately, the very powerful El Paso Community Foundation insists otherwise. Talk about colonialism.

Petition Calls for Vote on Stadium

2300 signatures were collected on a petition calling for approval of sports stadiums or arenas before they can be built. Petition supporters presented their petition to City Council this afternoon and submitted their documents to the City Clerk. Here is how the petition reads:


"The undersigned support and ask that the El Paso City Council pass the following ordinance: To adopt an ordinance concerning: No sports stadiums, or arenas be built without prior approval of the majority of voters to include the June 26th, 2012 Agenda item #12."


Petitioners had until Thursday to submit their petition but decided to come forward to today's City Council with more than the needed 1500 signatures.  The 2300 signatures will need to be certified; however, word around City Hall is that the City Attorney is not worried about the petition and will say more tomorrow. 

The Ballpark - Readers Take Sides

Have I ever criticized Joe Muench of the El Paso Times? Hmmm? Hmmm? Well, maybe a couple of times - but not about the ballpark. I commend his two columns on the subject: Downtown ballpark should help ease tax load and Our wailing denizens in the black pit of misery.


I commend these two editorials with some trepidation. Not all of my readers agree with me about the ballpark. I've gotten a couple of "personal" emails but most have been respectful. All have made some good arguments. I'm particularly touched by concerns for the future of the people in Chihuahita and the Segundo Barrio not to mention the Tiguas. Economic development aside, there are issues of social justice involved. 


There have been concerns about wasting water, energy and raw materials. Conservation efforts cannot be had through one instance alone. However, one of the biggest energy wasters downtown is the City Hall building and remains so today according to sources who work on the problems. A new LEED-certified building will be an energy-saver. A LEED-certified, rainwater adapted ballpark would be a water and an energy saver.


I also reject the notions that the rich and powerful are doing it to us again. That just isn't the case and I have not been bought out (please call me, Woody and Paul), drunk the juice nor have I sold my soul. One of the reasons that convinced me that El Paso is ready for such a venture is the fact that residential opportunities are increasing downtown. Read New Downtown housing almost full. 


However, one of my readers did challenge whether a ballpark would benefit economic development. In part she wrote:

[Here is what the research shows]: 

• Cities were talked into these deals in the 90's, and by 2000 these places were all in terrible trouble. (So, we are way behind the curve here!)

• There is No, I repeat, No economic impact from these efforts.

• There is a minimal quality of life benefit . . . I suppose if you're a baseball fan.

• They produce low paying jobs, which are seasonal.

• It is proven that they NEVER pay for themselves and never break even!!  The taxpayer must subsidize them FOREVER!

• There will be somewhere like 80 "baseball nights."  We need 365 nights plus daytime and solid weekend activity.  (Paul Foster and Woody should put their $20 million into rehabing spaces and programming!) 

• Every successful downtown revitalization MUST HAVE residential components. The noise level at an outdoor stadium does not induce a good night's sleep, if you live close by.

• The stadium will hold 9000 folks.  We have a maximum of 4300 parking spaces.  (No one is talking about the cost of building additional parking.) If the museums, the Plaza Theatre and the Civic Center are having competing events, where does everyone park?

• Relocating 650 employees and ultimately building a new City Hall will cost between $100 and $150 million.  I admit that the present City Hall has to be one of the ugliest buildings on the planet.  However, there have been millions of $ of improvements such as all new elevators, new HVAC, new windows, etc., etc.  The building is indeed ugly, but it is in good shape and is quite serviceable.

• ASARCO would be a perfect location for the baseball deal, but it won't be ready until 2014 or 2015.  Too bad.  If things in Mexico ever became palatable again, perhaps we could have a bridge there and a true International Ball Park.

• Last, but not least, this is simply a Very Baaaad Business deal!!

And, the worst part is that the Mayor and City Council KNOW THIS!!!!

The City has already begun its information campaign and I have already received these links from a couple of the representatives. Go to http://home.elpasotexas.gov/downtown-ballpark.php. Click on and read through each attachment. 


El Paso Inc. has a poll and interaction for discussion.


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