Angels ownership is committed to stay in Anaheim" through '50CITY OF ANAHEIM
The Angels unveiled a vision for their ballpark site, which features "halos floating atop gateways and pathways, and beneath them 150 acres of parks, shops, home and restaurants," according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. The Angels in yesterday's announcement "put off for now the decision to renovate Angel Stadium or replace it." If the Angels "decide to build a new ballpark, the plan calls for it to be located immediately adjacent to the 57 Freeway, and closer to the Anaheim train station." If they renovate, they "plan to open up the outfield and turn it into a grand entrance plaza." The investment by ownership "includes a commitment to stay in Anaheim" through '50. The Angels' current lease "allows the team to control development on the site, even by other parties," through at least '29. For fans, the plan "promises gathering places for eating, drinking, shopping and relaxing before and after games, in part a bid to ease traffic that largely would be directed to two new parking structures." The plan also "proposes a mix of luxury and affordable housing -- a combined 5,175 residences -- that includes such neighborhood needs as a grocery store, dry cleaners and playgrounds." The plan now "proceeds to a city approval process; Moreno's company has until Sept. 30 to walk away from the deal." Construction is "set to start by 2025" (L.A. TIMES, 6/24).
CITY REVAMP: In California, Alicia Robinson notes the Angels' announcement comes as Ducks Owners Henry and Susan Samueli are "expected to file their vision for land around the Honda Center with the city, which is expected to include similar and complementary development." Taken together, the two sites when built out are "expected to create a sports and entertainment-centered powerhouse that will draw visitors, house residents and businesses, create jobs, and pump money back into the economies of Anaheim and Orange County" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 6/24).
