Palm Beach County Commission Meeting -- March 11th - Review of Spring Training Baseball Issue

As soon as the video is archived from Palm Beach County Channel 20, I will share the link from this morning's meeting. Audrey Wolf, Director of Facilities Development and Operations for the County, made a presentation before the Board of County Commissioners. Above is a portion of the County Commission agenda that summarizes the topic. She prepared a thorough PowerPoint presentation on the challenges and parameters that need to be examined to keep baseball in what was referred to as the southeast Florida corridor. Two teams are assessing Palm Beach County locations, the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals.

There are many hurdles to overcome. The chief ones involve financing for the stadium, which will require changes in state legislation to cover what may be up to half the cost of the project. The amount of money from local sources would make up the difference, which could ultimately include a special district assessment on commercial property throughout the County. It is thought that the teams would contribute 5 to 10% of the total cost. They would also determine the site as well as be responsible for the construction of the stadium.

A Lake Worth contingent was present at the meeting, led by Mayor Triolo, who talked about the attractiveness of an east/central Palm Beach County location and referred to the resolution the City Commission passed at last week's City Commission meeting. County Commissioner Vanna expressed her opinion that the John Prince Park location still be a consideration and should remain on the list. It was stressed that the teams are analyzing the attributes of all of the potential sites, most of which are in municipalities. Mayor Taylor mentioned a 100 acre site at the corner of 45th Street and Haverhill Road that is in her district.

We will likely have an update within the next 30 days on the legislative changes needed and perhaps word from the teams on their preferred locations. There is a strategic interest in keeping spring baseball alive in south Florida and it was mentioned, more than once, how this decision may play into whether the county is able to keep its existing two teams in Jupiter.