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The Parking Lot, Another Hurdle For Twins Stadium

Darcy Pohland
Reporting

(WCCO) The bill has finally been passed -- the Twins are getting a new ballpark, but the new park isn't a homerun just yet.

The problem is the parking lot. It's on the site of the new stadium, but Hennepin County hasn't bought the land yet and they want to break ground in March.

"We'd like to resolve it over the next week and a half or so because we've threatened condemnation and that deadline is fast approaching," said Hennepin County Commissioner Gail Dorfman.

Hennepin county believes $13.5 million is a fair price to pay for the site where the new ballpark will be built.

"We care a great deal about what the land acquisition price is because we need to make sure there's plenty of money left after we buy the land to make these improvements to really make a quality site," said Dorfman.

Plans for the park are nearing completion, but an agreement on the price for the land is still far apart.

"Everybody has a great deal to lose on this including the landowner. To that end, I'm very hopeful that the sides will get together at the table, we'll negotiate a deal and be able to move forward," said Minnesota Twins President Dave St. Peter.

A ballpark committee tried to do just that in a dark room Wednesday when members saw and questioned the latest design developments.

"This is the people's ballpark and it should be reflective of the neighborhood that it serves in, not the architect's dream for what they want to design," said Minneapolis City Council member Lisa Goodman.

That's why architects from HOK Sport are trying to ease their concerns.

"I think we're in heated agreement with the committee in terms that the building should be unique and responsive to the context of the neighborhood," said HOK Sport project manager Bruce Miller.

"I think it's a ballpark fans are going to love," said St. Peter.

Representatives of the property's owner, Land Partners Two, could not be reached for comment.