Beth Mason has recently floated out a proposal for a minor league ball park in the NW area which could be setup as a redevelopment zone. This discussion is not about Beth Mason but rather the merits of the idea of a minor league ball park or stadium and it's pros and cons. In my informal conversations I have heard both yeahs and nays from residents so I thought the topic could warrant a discussion thread. Please stay on topic.From Flickr by wallyg
Comments to get the discussion going:
The Photo above is Roger Dean Stadium, located in Jupiter's shopping district Abacoa, was built in 1998 and holds 7,200 spectators. The complex is a state-of-the-art facility. Roger Dean Stadium is the only stadium in the country to host two minor league teams as well as the only stadium in Florida to host two spring training teams. The stadium features luxury sky-box seating, permanent seating, parking and concessions. This is the high end of a minor league stadium would be, to just give you an idea. It cost $28 million to build in 1998.
Here are some discussion point I am throwing out there (I don't necessarily agree with them but just publish for the sake of discussion)
Pros on a minor league baseball stadium/park in Hoboken:
- Hoboken is the city where the game is first played. That heritage should be a priority.
- It would add jobs, both short term and long term.
- Another entertainment venue for Hoboken.
- Part of redevelopment that could add other features such as a performance center, pool.
- Another ball field when not in use for Babe Ruth and Adult League play.
- Developer could help improve infrastructure like sewers and additional parking.
- Could be used as outdoor concert area when not in use for baseball (but noise would be a concern).
- Could Hoboken benefit from any special revenues? Special vendor permits, etc.
- The social aspect of bringing together all aspects of the community would be beneficial in terms that dollars can't measure.
- Having another ball field would help school age kids stay busy with positive activities.
Cons/Concerns to a minor league baseball stadium/park in Hoboken:
- Infrastructure is already stretched to it limit in Hoboken and should be the top priority, not a ball field.
- The NW are of Hoboken is already a flood zone. More development would not help.
- If you build it will they come? In order to get a minor league ball team here it has to be approved by baseball's governors. Can we afford that risk as a city that no one would come in from a Minor league team?
- Should it have to be the Yankees are Mets farm teams to spark additional local interest.
- How much would it cost Hoboken in terms of maintenance?
- Would a minor league ball park allow public access off schedule? If so how would the maintenance be divvied up between Hoboken and the stadium?
- With NYC area having so many entertainment options is this one of too many options as it already is? Would there be enough interest?
- Traffic and Parking would be two major concerns.
- Would Mass transit have to be expanded? Where would the funding come from?
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