Proposed Oakland A’s stadium faces setback from state panel

(CN) — A state panel charged with protecting San Francisco Bay dealt a blow to plans for a new Oakland A’s baseball stadium on Wednesday.

The Seaport Planning Advisory Committee recommended by a narrow vote that the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission maintain the Howard Terminal waterfront site for maritime use, a setback to the $12 billion proposed ballpark and accompanying development. The recommendation is not binding but serves as the committee’s recommendation for the consequential commission vote set for June 2, which could ultimately doom the project.

The commission “protects and enhances San Francisco Bay and encourages the Bay’s responsible and productive use for this and future generations,” according its website. The Seaport Planning Advisory Committee — comprised of San Francisco Bay area port officials, environmental organization and transportation agencies — voted less than a month after the Oakland City Council cleared a hurdle for the project and certified its environmental impact report.

Five committee members voted against recommending the site for the ballpark. Four members were in favor of the new development and one member abstained.

Wednesday’s vote heightens the possibility that the Oakland A’s will relocate from the East Bay area. The team and Major League Baseball maintain that the team cannot remain in its existing Oakland stadium and have made no secret that they are exploring potential sites for a new stadium in Las Vegas. The Raiders football team relocated from Oakland to Las Vegas in 2020.

Among the many concerns of opponents to the new ballpark is that it could adversely affect maritime activity at the ports during a time of supply chain struggles. Multiple committee members cited a lack of detailed information as the rationale behind their vote not to recommend the area for development.

Dave Kaval, president of the Oakland A’s, called the vote a “very disappointing setback” and noted the team’s parallel efforts to secure the waterfront ballpark in Oakland while pursuing alternatives in Las Vegas.

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf strongly supports the development at Howard Terminal, which proposes a ballpark that can hold 35,000 people, along with 3,000 housing units and expansive office and retail space.

“We believe the Port of Oakland and its leadership knows its capacity best, and we agree with their detailed analysis that shows they can continue to thrive and grow port activities well into the future, as well as support a transformational, world-class development that will open 18 acres of public parks along the waterfront and create more affordable housing and thousands of great union jobs for the region,” said Justin Berton, a spokesperson for Schaaf in a statement.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit