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Sep 15, 2009 10:22 pm US/Pacific
San Jose Approves Economic Report For A's Ballpark

SAN JOSE (BCN) ― The San Jose City Council Tuesday unanimously approved an economic impact report indicating the construction and operation of a professional baseball stadium in San Jose could potentially generate nearly 1,000 new jobs and $130 million in economic benefits.

At a news conference prior to the City Council meeting, Mayor Chuck Reed and a lineup of city and community leaders advocated the construction of a proposed new ballpark in the city's downtown.

"We're going to build our field of dreams, we just need things to fall into place," Reed said.

The "Economic Impact Analysis: Proposed Major League Ballpark" report released on Sept. 3 by consulting firm Conventions Sports & Leisure International, indicates that a ballpark could bring in about $5 million in annual revenue for the local economy, generating about $3 million in annual tax revenue for the city. Santa Clara County schools and agencies would receive about $2 million annually, according to the report.

Nearly 1,000 jobs would be created by the construction of a fully operational 32,000-seat ballpark in 2014 designed for the Oakland Athletics, the report states.

The 14-acre city-owned site under consideration in the Diridon Station neighborhood has already undergone an environmental impact report and conceptual analysis.

Reed said the city is waiting for Major League Baseball to study the issue of territorial rights, which dictate San Jose is still San Francisco Giants country. A committee appointed by Commissioner Bud Selig has not announced when it will make a final ruling.

The report shows that it makes fiscal and economic sense to bring baseball to the city and it is to the benefit of residents, businesses and surrounding communities, Reed said.

Economic reasons aside, Santa Clara County Assessor Larry Stone said the construction of a new ballpark has intangible rewards as well, such that a professional team could supply. Stone said the greatest marketing tool for the city has been the San Jose Sharks.

"Let's seize this opportunity and get on with the A's coming to San Jose," Stone said.

In agreement, Pat Dando, president and CEO of the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, said a professional baseball team would do what the Sharks did and more.

"When you build a stadium today, they will come," Dando said.

City spokeswoman Michelle McGurk said Tuesday's vote approving the economic impact report was a serious step in the process of bringing baseball to the city and provides a "critical piece" the City Council needs in going into negotiations.