Objections Raised to New Oakland As Ballpark

by Evey Hwang, Ocean Committee

Port of Oakland on the Waterfront:
On November 7, 2019, Port of Oakland conducted a Seaport Compatibility Measures conference at the Waterfront Hotel. The conference offered a chance for port stakeholders to provide feedback and contemplate on a ballpark at the waterfront. Participants included members from Longshore and Bar Pilot unions, Ocean Carriers and Terminal Operators, Trucking Associations and Port Truckers, Importers and Exporters, port facilities, Railroad and Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. CBFANC board members John Lee and Evey Hwang represented Port brokers and forwarders.

Port stakeholders shared concerns on the future of the maritime business at the Oakland if the ballpark is built at Howard Terminal:

Traffic mitigation discussion and concerns on re-zoning on land use.
Need for Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prior to City or Port proposal to proceed
Objections to As proposal for including luxury high-rise, multi-use and retail spaces.
Union Pacific on Railroad constraints and need for grade separation for safeguarding all modes transport.
Turning basin and waterways being public makes Howard Terminal the wrong site for a ballpark.
Buffer zone between industrial versus residential needs to be sustained. Re-zoning for residential or mix-use on adjacent land is counter to sustaining maritime business.
Maritime future is already jeopardized given projections on the loss of port development and traffic congestion.

Aside from gentrification, there was reality check voiced regarding the City’s plans for port land as well as the costs to taxpayers for infrastructure required to support a new stadium and residential real estate development at the port. A reminder was given that the As should keep their commitment to East Oakland. How many more millions of taxpayer dollars will the As need to create their waterfront wonderland?


Objections Raised to New Oakland As Ballpark by Evey Hwang, Ocean Committee Port of Oakland on the Waterfront: On November 7, 2019, Port of Oakland conducted a Seaport Compatibility Measures conference at the Waterfront Hotel. The conference offered a chance for port stakeholders to provide feedback and contemplate on a ballpark at the waterfront. Participants included members from Longshore and Bar Pilot unions, Ocean Carriers and Terminal Operators, Trucking Associations and Port Truckers, Importers and Exporters, port facilities, Railroad and Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. CBFANC board members John Lee and Evey Hwang represented Port brokers and forwarders. Port stakeholders shared concerns on the future of the maritime business at the Oakland if the ballpark is built at Howard Terminal: Traffic mitigation discussion and concerns on re-zoning on land use. Need for Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prior to City or Port proposal to proceed Objections to As proposal for including luxury high-rise, multi-use and retail spaces. Union Pacific on Railroad constraints and need for grade separation for safeguarding all modes transport. Turning basin and waterways being public makes Howard Terminal the wrong site for a ballpark. Buffer zone between industrial versus residential needs to be sustained. Re-zoning for residential or mix-use on adjacent land is counter to sustaining maritime business. Maritime future is already jeopardized given projections on the loss of port development and traffic congestion. Aside from gentrification, there was reality check voiced regarding the City’s plans for port land as well as the costs to taxpayers for infrastructure required to support a new stadium and residential real estate development at the port. A reminder was given that the As should keep their commitment to East Oakland. How many more millions of taxpayer dollars will the As need to create their waterfront wonderland?
CBFANC Newsletter - November 2019 - Info Expeditor