Preliminary results of a study focusing on environmental impacts from a proposed minor league baseball stadium were recently presented to the Sugar Land City Council.
The initial findings from an analysis of Federal Aviation Administration clearance issues related to the nearby Sugar Land Regional Airport and soil and water studies are not expected to delay a possible stadium opening for the 2012 baseball season.
A “Quality of Life” impact analysis of noise, lighting, traffic and public safety is expected to be presented to City Council on Sept. 7.
The stadium’s proposed location northeast of State Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 90A is more than half a mile from the nearest residence.
The complete report will be available on Sept. 8 at www.sugarlandtx.gov for public review and comment. Public input will be presented to City Council prior to any action being taken on the final site selection.
“The city is committed to selecting a site that minimizes and/or eliminates any adverse impact to residents,” said City Manager Allen Bogard.
HOA’s, service organizations and other interested groups may also schedule a speaker and presentation by contacting the Sugar Land Communications Department at (281) 275-2216 or by e-mail at pubinfo@sugarlandtx.gov.
On May 18, Sugar Land City Council approved an agreement with Opening Day Partners, LLC to bring professional minor league baseball to Sugar Land. ODP – an experienced community-focused operator that emphasizes year-round community events and activities at their stadiums – will own and operate Sugar Land’s baseball team. ODP will be the owner of the Atlantic League expansion team that will take to Sugar Land’s new field for its expected Opening Day in April 2012.
The $30 million stadium will be funded with a portion of sales tax revenues that may only be used for economic development purposes. No general fund tax dollars will be spent on the stadium. In addition to the stadium serving as a community amenity, a conservative cost-benefit analysis performed by Conventions, Sports & Leisure International shows the project will provide an annual benefit to the community of conservatively $7.7 million, or a return of $169 million over 30 years, according to city officials.
