City Government

A’s Dave Kaval Responds to Community Concerns Over New Stadium

Published

5 years ago

October 17, 2019

Since the Oakland Athletic’s first mentioned their intent to build a new home stadium in 2014, the project has spurred a multitude of reactions from city officials, industry workers, and the general public.

In early 2019 the A’s announced their plans to purchase and develop two large pieces of public land in Oakland: the Coliseum, and Howard Terminal at the Port of Oakland. Preliminary digital renderings presented a 34,000 seat waterfront stadium, flanked by a hotel and 3,000 condominiums — all accessible via a multi-million dollar gondola.

The new ballpark is estimated to generate $3 billion in benefits in the first 10 years, and over 6,000 permanent jobs, according to the Bay Area Council Economic Institute. Still, some residents and community members have remained skeptical that the development is a land-grab that will not benefit residents.

Oakland United Coalition — which was created in direct response to talks of the A’s plans to redevelop the coliseum in 2014 — has been at the forefront of the skepticism facing the development. The coalition has demanded a community benefits agreement — a legally binding agreement that would commit the A’s to fulfill community needs.

A’s President Dave Kaval said the A’s have long “committed” to a community benefits agreement — but that the contract is largely in the hands of the City of Oakland.

“These are the two biggest public land swaths in the city of Oakland, so it makes sense that folks are concerned,” said Jahmese Meyers, deputy director of the East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy — part of Oakland United. “For Oakland United, ultimately, no matter where the stadium locates, whether it stays at the Coliseum or at Howard Terminal, it’s public land — it needs to be for public good.”

Kaval said that the A’s are glad that there has been so much community involvement in the project, and want to ensure that all parties benefit from whatever agreement is reached.

“Were going to do every thing we can to create a plan that allows for existence between all the key stakeholder groups and the new ballpark project,” said Kaval.

Some of the loudest opposition to the Howard Terminal ballpark has come from industry workers who rely on the prosperity of the Port of Oakland. The International Longshore Workers Union (ILWU) Local 10 held a public meeting on Sept. 21 in staunch opposition to the Howard Terminal Development.

“This is not about baseball, this is about gobbling up land, this is a real estate investment,” said Derrick Muhammad, former secretary treasurer at the ILWU Local 10.

Port workers pointed to the fact that the A’s waterfront ballpark would sit on a site three times smaller than the Coliseum, and require extensive infrastructure, transportation amendments and removal of decades of toxic waste. Some also worry that placing a large residential development in a highly polluted industrial area could threaten business operations.

“I think it’s also important to note that there are 24,000 people who live currently within a mile of Howard Terminal, so there is already a fair amount of residential in that area,” said Kaval, adding that the A’s have committed to a “robust transportation plan” to ensure that port operations are not impeded.

The A’s have also agreed to the port’s conditions, which include the widening of the turning basin for cargo ships, and a “buffer zone” between residential developments and industry.

Residents also worry about parking, as the new stadium will have significantly smaller lot compared to the Coliseum. Workers are concerned that the trucks currently parked at Howard Terminal will be forced into West Oakland streets, and that the city will be unable to control thousands of baseball fans descending on the stadium for a game.

“It’s incredibly important that traffic is not pushed into the neighborhoods,” said Kaval, who also pointed to the 14,000 parking spots in the nearby downtown area. “The one nice thing about having a stadium in a commercial area is you can leverage the parking that people use in the day for business — which at night is largely empty. So it’s a kind of symbiotic use.”

The A’s have also incurred criticism for their claim that the projects will be “100 percent privately funded.” A recently approved California Bill, SB 293, could facilitate the creation of new tax districts to fund infrastructure for the ballpark. The bill specifically cites Howard Terminal as site that could benefit from an infrastructure financing district.

In response, Kaval argued that SB 293 is not restricted to the ballpark project, and could be used as a “positive tool” for anything infrastructure-related in Oakland.

“I think it’s important to note that the bill only gives the ability of the city council to implement the infrastructure district…and no decisions have been made on that. That’s something that the city council is going to have to vote on,” said Kaval.

When it comes to the sale of the Coliseum, the City of Oakland made it’s position clear on Sept. 29 when it filed a lawsuit against Alameda County to block the sale of the county’s portion of the 150-acre lot, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Mayor Libby Schaaf, who has been a supporter of the project since day one, expressed dismay to the Chronicle after the city’s move. Following the suit, Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred urged the city to drop the lawsuit, or risk the team relocating to another city.

Despite the setback, the A’s plan to finalize permits by mid 2020, and project to break ground by 2021.

Saskia Hatvany

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Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2024

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

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City of Oakland Celebrates Reopening of Main Library

“Libraries are such critical facilities for all Oaklanders, whether it’s children coming to story-time, adults reading the newspapers or borrowing the latest novels, and people engaging with a range of services and programs that the library hosts,” said Council President and District 2 Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. “Such library services and programs are only possible when the facility’s electricity, heating, roof, and lighting are fixed and running efficiently. I’m proud to join this re-opening of our Main Public Library.”

Published

3 days ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

Left to Right- Jamie Turbak, Director of Library Services, LaTonda Simmons, Assistant City Administrator, Nikki Bas, President Oakland City Council, Shen Thao, Mayor of Oakland, Carroll Fife, Oakland City Councilmember District 3, Harold Duffey, Assistant City Administrator, Sean Maher, Projects Coordinator. Photo by Kevin Hicks.

The branch had been closed since May for critical infrastructure upgrades

Special to the Post

The City of Oakland leadership and community partners gathered to celebrate the reopening of the Main Library after completion of critical infrastructure upgrades to enhance the library’s facilities and provide a better experience for patrons.

Renovations include new roof installation, skylight repair, critical electrical system upgrades, new boiler control system installation, auditorium heating and cooling system installation, and improvements to lighting, flooring and ceilings throughout the building.

“This is truly something to celebrate, the reopening of our wonderful Main Library! I congratulate the staff and our partners for this important project to make the Main Library a more comfortable place for everyone for years to come, said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. “Thank you to Oakland voters and the California State Library for making these crucial improvements possible.”

“Public libraries are a wonderful resource for our residents, offering a safe space for learning and being,” said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. “It is critical to improve and modernize our libraries so more members of our community can utilize and enjoy them. I’m excited that the necessary renovations to the Main Library have been completed successfully and thank everyone involved, particularly the City team, who helped secured the necessary grant funds for this work.”

“I am proud of the City staff and project partners who kept this important project on schedule and under budget,” said Assistant City Administrator G. Harold Duffey. “The library is an incredibly important resource for our community members, and this project is an investment into the library’s future.”

“December 2nd was a momentous occasion for Oakland Public Library as we proudly reopened the doors of the Main Library following extensive infrastructure repairs,” said Director of Library Services Jamie Turbak. “Closing the Main Library for six months was no easy decision, as it serves as the central hub for our library system and is truly the heart of Oakland. Yet, this renovation was essential, representing more than just physical upgrades—it reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone.”

The City Administrator Jestin Johnson also attended the press conference and signalled his support for the completion of the record-setting completion of the renovations. Gay Plair Cobb, a newly appointed Library Commissioner said the Library represents the soul and brains of our community.

The Oakland Public Library secured funding for these crititcal repairs through a variety of sources. The California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program awarded the Main Branch $4.2 million. To comply with the grant terms, the City of Oakland provided matching funds through Measures KK, as approved by the Oakland City Council in October 2023.

The Main Library will host an Open House to celebrate the reopening on February 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

About the Oakland Public Library

The Oakland Public Library is a part of the City of Oakland in California and has been in existence since 1878. Locations include 16 neighborhood branches, a Main Library, a Second Start Adult Literacy Program, the Oakland Tool Lending Library, and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). The Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect, and grow. Oaklandlibrary.org

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BWOPA Honors Black Leadership and Legacy at 2024 Ella Hill Hutch Awards Dinner

On Dec. 5, BWOPA held its Annual Ella Hill Hutch Awards Ceremony, at the Fairmont Claremont Hotel in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills. At the event, the group comprised of Black women from various professional backgrounds, honored distinguished local and state leaders whose contributions have shaped civic engagement and advanced critical social issues impacting Black communities.

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

L-R: BWOPA State Executive Director LaNiece Jones; State Asm. Mia Bonta; BWOPA 2024 Man of The Year/Urban League SFBA CEO Ken Maxey; BWOPA State President Hon. Dezie Woods-Jones; State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas; Rowena Brown, Oakland Councilmember At-Large, Elect; BWOPA State Regional Director Vashone Huff. Courtesy photo.

By Oakland Post Staff

Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) is a statewide non-profit advocacy and membership organization committed to solving problems affecting Black Californians.

On Dec. 5, BWOPA held its Annual Ella Hill Hutch Awards Ceremony, at the Fairmont Claremont Hotel in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills.

At the event, the group comprised of Black women from various professional backgrounds, honored distinguished local and state leaders whose contributions have shaped civic engagement and advanced critical social issues impacting Black communities.

The evening was hosted by Dr. Shawna Charles, founder of The Charles Communications Group (CCG) headquartered in Los Angeles. Charles served as mistress of ceremonies.

With a track record of elevating voices and empowering communities, Charles’ leadership and insight brought a certain dynamism to the celebration.

“Each year, this event not only celebrates the enduring legacy of our beloved BWOPA founding member, Ella Hill Hutch, but also reaffirms and amplifies our unwavering commitment to building and sustaining Black political power across California,” said Dezie Woods-Jones, BWOPA founding member and State president.

“Ella Hill Hutch’s trailblazing leadership continues to inspire us as we forge ahead, empowering Black women to lead, advocate, and shape a more equitable future for all,” added Woods-Jones.

This year’s event introduced the DWJ Rising Star Award, honoring young leaders like Solano County Board Supervisors-elect Cassandra James, Danielle Motley-Lewis, Naomi Waters and newly elected State Assemblymember elect Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton).

According to organizers, the awardees all exemplify “the next generation of changemakers.”

Other awardees included:

Lifetime Achievement Awardees: Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) and Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson
Man of the Year: Kenneth Maxey, CEO of the Greater SF Bay Area Urban League
President’s Corporate Award: Yvette Radford, Kaiser Permanente
In the Spirit of Ella State and Chapter Awards: Dr. Carolyn Greene, Dr. Marcella K. Smith, Dr. Carolyn Drake, Tinisch Hollins, Jackie Jones, Gloria Burgess Johnson, Tamika L’Ecluse, Ellen Nash, Betty Reid Soskin, and Ay’Anna Moody.

BWOPA also celebrated local champions across its chapters, including leaders in voter education, healthcare, criminal justice reform, and community advocacy.

In a statement, BWOPA said, “Honoring Ella Hill Hutch’s legacy, BWOPA recognizes her pioneering efforts as the first Black woman elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Her tireless work amplifying underrepresented voices continues to inspire BWOPA’s mission to build Black political power across California.”

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, partners and allies who believe in BWOPA’s vision to invest in building power for Black women’s leadership,” said LaNiece Jones, BWOPA State executive director. “Your support ensures that Black women have a voice at decision-making tables locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally, advancing diversity and equity in leadership spaces.”