Last week's vote by Escondido City Council to spend $50 million to build a minor league ballpark was a major milestone, but several hurdles remain, according to the North County Times.
Some of the hurdles include acquiring land, getting more money from the developer, dealing with traffic issues and amending blueprints for a ballpark district, the paper reported.
The project could be derailed by an increase in construction costs in 2011, according to the paper. Reportedly, any fluctuations in the bond market could significantly hurt the project.
Escondido officials would like the Padres to increase their contribution for the project, but the Padres feel the city is exaggerating the cost to build the stadium.
Key Dates
Monday: Deadline for Moorad to complete purchase of Portland Beavers
January 2011: City responds to environmental concerns
Feb. 16, 2011: Deadline for city to buy NCTD site
Feb. 16, 2011: City Council approves development agreement
March 1, 2011: Moorad group hires architect
May 15, 2011: City finalizes costs beyond ballpark construction
May 2011: Moorad group gets firm cost estimates for ballpark construction
Dec. 1, 2011: City amends redevelopment plan and begins selling bonds
Dec. 1, 2011: Moorad group hires contractor for ballpark
Dec. 31, 2011: City completes sale of bonds
Jan. 1, 2012: Construction begins
April 2013: Ballpark opens
(Source: North County Times)
