Oakland city council discusses A's Howard Terminal proposal as vote deadline approaches
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- For the first time, the Oakland City Council held a study session looking at the proposed baseball stadium site at Howard Terminal.
The city is under pressure to draft a deal in less than two weeks.
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The A's presentation argued the $12 billion development would keep the team in Oakland and would be a catalyst for future infrastructure.
A major sticking point for council members is the A's desire to forgo traditional guidelines when it comes to making affordable housing part of the plan.
"It's a bad idea to me that's a shocking element of this. I have difficulty swallowing," said Oakland City Councilmember Dan Kalb.
Another potential stumbling block is the A's request to create a special tax district away from the ballpark site.
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The city opposes that.
Negotiations will continue before a scheduled vote on July 20.
Mayor Libby Schaaf released a statement thanking the participants and said, "The staff presentation showed how we can structure a development deal that ensures our beloved A's stay rooted in Oakland."
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