Last week, Council approved a term sheet for the Oakland A’s ballpark proposal at the Port’s Howard Terminal. With Vice Mayor Kaplan, I made important amendments to address our city’s urgent need for deeply affordable housing and anti-displacement protections for renters, as well as concerns about impacts to our Port and neighboring communities.
We still have a long way to go to ensure that our most impacted neighborhoods like Chinatown and West Oakland receive community benefits and protections, that the project is compatible with a thriving Port, and that Alameda County partners with us to create a fiscally responsible plan.
With a development of this size -- over 30 city blocks -- we simply cannot accept a deal that adds 3,000 luxury condos but makes no commitment to support affordable housing. We cannot sanction the displacement of longtime and working-class residents of our historic communities. We must protect our residents, workers, businesses and our Port economy as we work to keep the A’s rooted in Oakland.
The City has taken important steps to address the A’s concerns about who will fund off-site infrastructure and transportation upgrades. This is a historic time of massive infrastructure investments and we have committed to seeking state and federal funds for the off-site needs.
Next steps before the final development agreement comes to Council include: September vote by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to join the Infrastructure Finance District with the City of Oakland to ensure a responsible financial plan; final Environmental Impact Report; and Port’s Seaport Compatibility Plan.
The A’s are a central part of our community and identity. Oaklanders have loyally supported them over generations. Stand with us to ensure that the A’s ownership reciprocate with support for the people of Oakland.
For background, visit the City of Oakland’s Howard Terminal web page, Learn more about the needs and demands of community coalitions, as well as the positions of Alameda Labor Council and East Oakland Stadium Alliance.
When we return from Council recess in September, I am prepared to continue supporting good faith negotiations with the A’s to achieve an agreement that honors Oakland.