WDI encourages NHC residents to vote ‘yes’ to baseball | Arts & Culture

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The subject of a proposed baseball stadium in the Port City has been at the center of controversy for a while, with both supporters voicing their opinions.

In November, voters will get the chance to make their opinions on the matter clearer than ever -- they must approve a $37 million bond referendum in order for the stadium to be built, and now, a local group is coming forward to encourage voters to say ‘yes.’

Wilmington Downtown, Inc. announced its position in a news release Friday afternoon.

“A downtown riverfront ballpark will be an economic catalyst, creating new jobs and new development,” read the release. “Cities across the country have seen the benefits of new ballparks. Billions of dollars in private investment have followed the construction of similar multi-use facilites in the past two decades.”

John Hinnant, the company’s president and CEO, added that he feels the stadium would have a “tremendous impact” on the city, as it has with other communities of similar sizes.

Election Day is Nov. 6.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.