Locals look for facts to make informed decision on baseball stadium | Public Spaces

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – The City of Wilmington held a meeting Tuesday night to reveal general areas of where the potential baseball stadium might be located.

Citizens were invited to the meeting to give input about the possible location of the stadium.

Representatives from National Sports Services, the firm retained to investigate the feasibility of a baseball team in Wilmington, led the meeting.

The firm has been gathering data since they were hired and are now looking for public input.

Officials announced at the meeting that they hope to have feasibility study done by June 15. By the week of June 11, they plan to have a draft. By June 19, they're aiming for a final delivery to council to vote on Mandalay Baseball's proposal.

Representatives asked locals to leave comments on paper so that they can review their questions and concerns. They made it clear that they did not want any residents confused on the details of bringing a baseball stadium to Wilmington.

They addressed items like cost, preparations, infrastructure, team acquisition and operating costs.

Residents raised concerns over funding and other issues like environmental impact.

Despite reports that the property near Autumn Hall on Eastwood Road is out of the running as a potential site, National Sports Services president Matt Perry said he had not heard of that news. He told WECT.com that his team was out on Tuesday looking at each of the different sites.

During the meeting, the firm explained why other cities have pursued publicly owned baseball stadiums.

Another meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday at 6:30 pm.

The firm will publish an online survey next week to seek additional input.

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