The odds of the Oakland A’s remaining in Oakland just increased significantly.
On Thursday, one of the major hurdles for a potential $12 billion stadium and surrounding project at Howard Terminal was cleared.
In a 23-2 vote (which needed two-thirds support to pass), the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission voted to remove Howard Terminal’s designation as a port priority use area.
The main concerns were whether Oakland could meet shipping needs if the project continues.
Per the Chronicle, the commissioners believe shipping needs can be met without Howard Terminal.
“The commissioners who voted in favor of the A’s request said BCDC staff’s “diligent” analysis showed that Howard Terminal is not needed for port functions and that there is “adequate capacity” to handle cargo growth elsewhere.”
That clears the way for the project to continue, with multiple other steps still in the process. At the very least, it means that the plans for a Howard Terminal ballpark are still alive.
There has been a whole lot of talk, encouraged by MLB, about the A’s relocating to Las Vegas, with a New York Post report coming out earlier this week that MLB would waive potentially hundreds of millions in relocation fees for the franchise.
The team’s proposal is for a 35,000 waterfront stadium at the location, with an enormous surrounding project including thousands of housing units and entertainment in the area.
This vote doesn’t ensure the project will go ahead, but it at least means it’s alive.