The A’s in your mail
By Matt Artz
Thursday, August 28th, 2008 at 1:23 pm in A's, Fremont.
Here is the latest glossy mailer from the A’s. Imagine how empty the triple-play event would have been if I hadn’t written that brief about it in the Argus. It Probably would have been just Stomper and those two anonymous ballplayers. You’ll probably also notice that a well-coiffed 72-year-old is quoted. Sorry if it’s fuzzy.
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August 28th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Mr. Dutra’s quote on the Triple Play mailer ended with this statement, “In addition, the Baseball Village will support and enhance local public transportation in Fremont”.
Sounds great, but what exactly does that mean?
August 29th, 2008 at 10:01 am
IMHO it means that there will be considerable traffic on game days at the automall/880 intersection and surrounding arterials. It means we will attempt to negate some small portion of this congestion by running buses between outlaying parking and BART - the direct cost of which will be born by riders and . . . . . “…the baseball village….” (???)
A greater question for me is who pays for the indirect costs of all of this e.g., traffic control, street maintenance, law enforcement, EMT, etc., etc., which is a direct consequence of this development and their guests and which “spills” out all over the surrounding Fremont area in a manner that makes calculation of the cost/benefit a convoluted affair.
Because this is complicated, it’s equite asy to generalize the ensuing economic forecasts in a direction that substantiates one’s personal position.
August 29th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Unfortunately, only about 20% of the projected revenue from the ballpark village would be available for law enforcement, traffic control, EMT, and street maintenance. The rest would flow into Fremont’s redevelopment agency where it can only be used to pay bond debt and for further development. This is according to the economic impact study prepared for the A’s.
http://www.ci.fremont.ca.us/NR/rdonlyres/e6kywwnj5erxzs3n53jcgep5wzgsgjdqhxqttudcysfvt55oa244zppenz3fparhl7g4z6kv5npxwammuqct5czdusb/ERA+Report-Final.pdf
August 29th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Just a minor correction to Charlotte Allen’s post, none of the property tax from the project would go to the General Fund, which pays for police, fire, etc. All of the new property taxes would go for redevelopment projects such as the Irvington BART station and other transportation related projects, with 20% set aside for affordable housing per state law. Sales tax would accrue to the General Fund, but gains would be offset from losses from existing retail when people couldn’t get to it because of the traffic.
The last two A’s mailers both contain outrageous statements. The latest one uses John Dutra’s quote on enhancing local public transportation in Fremont. How a project which does not include a transit element can enhance transportation escapes me. In the earlier mailing, the A’s claim their project will provide 13,000 good paying, full time equivalent jobs. Their project will build 500,000 square feet of retail. Assuming retail jobs qualify as “good paying,” that is one employee for every 38 1/2 square feet of space. And, just for comparison, the Fremont web site says that, in 2005, there were 105,000 jobs in Fremont, spread all over our 92 square miles. How in ther world can this project, which only uses 23 acres for commercial retail, contain a number of jobs equal to 13% of the total jobs in Fremont?
And no one in authority questions this stuff!
August 29th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Gus,
Good points.
I also remember being very skeptical of the 13,000 number when I saw that flier. Later on, I read in the economic report that this is the number of TEMPORARY jobs that would be created during the construction period. Very misleading.
The number of permanent jobs is given as 1,762 “full-time equivalent” positions. However, this is after the multiplier is applied. It’s unclear from the report how many of these are direct (i.e. actual) jobs.
The earnings for these jobs is listed at just over $50 million. This comes out to $28,500 per job.
While the math in this part of the report is rather convoluted, you don’t need to be an economist to figure out the types of jobs that a retail center and a ballpark will generate.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:56 am
All I want to know is where can I sign the contract to one of the residences adjacent to the new park! I was back east on business last week and folks not long ago had no idea where Fremont was now know there is a there there!
For so many decades, Fremont has been no mans land for entertainment! Now we are on the cusp of securing a WORLD CLASS institution! I’m sure there will be other events at the park too! We might be able to see Springsteen or another great concert in Fremont! This will be amazing! Should the Bay Area ever get the Olympics, Fremont will be one of the stages! And anything that adds impetus for more BART and public transport in this area is a Godsend!
Lets fix the details, Lets get the best deal for everyone and build this field of dreams!
My vote and the vote of my family and friends will support the candidates that can do! The candidates that will work and collaborate with the wide array of interests that want this great park built.
FREMONT is 100% A’s BASEBALL!!!
August 30th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Based on Gus and Vinnie’s employment data we know it won’t be the ballpark and retail workers living in adjoining village.
One additional comment about traffic in the area; travel Auto Mall Parkway west of I-880 any weekday and count the number of tractor trailers your sharing the road with that must use it to reach the industrial area.
August 30th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Doug’s comments express one of my main issues with the ballpark; that area was originally zoned commercial/industrial for a reason!! Everything around it is industrial or large businesses… not only will residents have to deal with the industrial traffic, noise, and pollution, but they will be far removed from the main Fremont community - *much* too far for biking or walking. It will essentially be a separate small city on its own, but with no separate budget or other city support.
That is simply *not* where a residential development belongs…
August 30th, 2008 at 9:24 am
I agree with you that the prospect of bringing a “world class” venue to Fremont would be a wonderful opportunity. But I, for one, do not see “world class” city leadership or management. I, for one, feel that current trends in city management and leadership will subordinate contstituency concerns and quality of life considerations to those of the developer(s) and retail interests. . . . I for one feel that an experienced developer and their “advisors” have a strong leg up in the negotiation and analysis of this plan over our city management and leadership.
Our city has difficulty executing on sound fundamentals. I have zero confidence that we can negotiat, plan and manage the creation of a “world class” venue without simultaneously giving away the farm. We need a wholesale change in leadership and management - not just a change of one or two council positions - before I, my family, and my friends will support this as a sound future investment.
August 30th, 2008 at 10:48 am
While Pacific Commons was a no-brainer for the big box stores like Lowe’s, Costco, Ashley Furniture, etc., it’s unfortunately sucking in the smaller stores as well, like a Black Hole. The Prolific Oven and Half-Priced Books are two examples that would be a much better fit in a true downtown where people could access them by means other than getting in their car and crossing I-880.
I’m sure ProLogis management, when talking to prospective new businesses, entices them with the Cisco Field and Ballpark Village prospects.
August 30th, 2008 at 11:04 am
The new breed of stadiums attracts people with money, especially with ticket prices as high as they are to pay for the stadiums without government support. I’m not terribly worried about crime coming with them, other than car break-ins. Parking can be taken care of with multistory garages and solid traffic flow planning. Outside traffic will be a pain, but shuttles or a tram from BART and widened roads can handle it. A walkable downtown in the area will slow the egress. Heck, I’d love to see a trolley in Fremont with a new little downtown for it to drive through. Extra police will come from tax revenue. If we get the proper concessions and enforceable commitments, a ballpark will be awesome. Not perfect, just awesome.
And yes, their mailer was misleading. They’re trying to sell the public. That’s business.
August 30th, 2008 at 11:29 am
I agree with Doug, Dan and Super Duper. The only way is to create awareness among Fremont voters about the real implications of A’s Ball Park and vote in the right candidates who will put Fremont’s interests first in front of the developers.
Time to get rid of Wasserman, Wieckowski who are supporting A’s project blindly without any thought about the impact of A’s in terms of traffic, quality of life etc etc.
How about starting a website on A’s
August 30th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Here’s a quote from Mr. Dutra’s interview with Matt Artz and posted on this blog:
On ties to the A’s project:
“There is no financial connection between me, my family, my company and the A’s; and there will be none. I will not accept any compensation from the A’s, and I won’t work for them directly or indirectly for that matter. I met Lew and Keith six months ago; prior to that I didn’t even know these people.”
It sure seems like having your picture and quote appear on a flier mailed out by the Athletics could be misinterpreted as an indirect relationship.
August 30th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Wow - I just dont know where to begin to respond to Jon Simon’s comments. . . . . I think they speak for themselves and are reflective of the anecdote-filled rationalizations so common amongst the proponents of this fiasco.
And to close with an admission that the business interests are “misleading” - and to justify those mis-representations as “just business” ??? Jon - if you truly believe that statement, then where is the line, how far is it OK for a business entity to go with misrepresentations - in the name of “business” ???
My gosh - your apparent position on this matter, if supported by other proponents, is a perfect reason for those with any aptitude for sound civic planning to doubt this project and the assertions of those who support it.
August 30th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Someday not too long in the future,,my kid and I will be sitting in the Cisco Fields stands watching the A’s beat the Yankees under a warm Fremont summer night and if even for a moment all will be right with the world!
Its the intangibles that the cynics and nimbys cant comprehend. Its the zen that is baseball,,its family, its American and its Fremont! “Anecdote-filled rationalizations” be damned! This opportunity will bring joy to our area, our civic pride, our hearts and our families.
Fremont is 100% A’s Baseball!!!!!
August 30th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
I’m batting 1000 here and it is the proponents that are making my point . . . . . between Jon and WarbleFly can you get any more blury-eyed ? I say again “your apparent position on this matter, if supported by other proponents, is a perfect reason for those with any aptitude for sound civic planning to doubt this project and the assertions of those who support it.”
WarbleFly says -
“It’s the intangibles that the cynics and nimbys cant comprehend. It’s the zen that is baseball . . . . .”
Gosh, Warble - the conversation here isn’t about baseball - it’s about an economic development and plan and the decisions that go into bringing a wonderful pasttime to our city .
I *do* get that baseball is full of intangibles that make it a wonderful activity - but, that anecdote and the wonderful sentiments that it connotates, does not a civic “plan” make.
August 30th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Bring the solutions SuperDuper! Lets get together and fix whatever concerns there are! In your esteemed opinion, how do we make the plan sound?
As far as your batting average, you better check yourself, because you haven’t faced any live pitching yet!:) And if I have blur eyes,,so be it! Feel the Blur! Catch A’s fever!!!!!
The A’s will bring so much JOY to our area!
There will always be those against it, some with valid reasons, some who are angling for a piece of the pie (past and present politicians fave activity and reason to be) and those who simply want to build a wall, watch TV and sleep. IOd rather be at the ballpark. Hopefully we can all find common ground and not be so adversarial about this fantastic opportunity. And so for SuperDuper–I will buy your 1st hot dog and beer at the new park!
Dont let the haters get you down! We can build it! Fremont will have a “there there” very soon!
Athletics Baseball and Cisco Field will be the jewel of Fremont!
August 30th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Jon Simon
“Parking can be taken care of with multistory garages”
Getting into a multi story parking structure is easy. Have you considered how you get out when everyone else is trying to get out at the same time, backing out of the parking stalls?
“…and solid traffic flow planning.”
There is only one access, 880 to Auto Mall Parkway. How do you plan traffic flow on one street?
“Outside traffic will be a pain,..”
The A’s today attract from all over the bay area, 8.7% from Oakland, 2.7% from Fremont (ERA Report), so almost all of the traffic will be outside traffic. I agree it will be a pain. 880 is already over capacity north bound in the evening and southbound is at .94% of capacity. Ball game traffic will drive it over capacity also.
“… but shuttles or a tram from BART and widened roads can handle it.”
Shuttles cannot handle the load. Today 19% of the attendees at the Coliseum come on BART. For a sold out game in Fremont, that is 6080 people. How many shuttles? What about after the game? How is everyone going to get on a shuttle at the same time? There is no plan for a tram and no funding if there was a plan. Transportation plans in existence use every dollar for the next 20 years already. To pay for a tram would force us to give up some other improvements needed to meet today’s problems.
“Extra police will come from tax revenue.”
See may earlier post, and Charlotte Allen’s. None of the property tax generated from any of this development will be available to pay for urban services in that area, not police, not fire, not street maintenance.
“If we get the proper concessions and enforceable commitments, a ballpark will be awesome. Not perfect, just awesome.”
This statement says it all. If we get the proper plan, the proper design, the proper mitigation to all of the concerns, it would be great. The plan should be a win/win for both Fremont and the A’s. Currently, the decision makers are just letting the A’s run roughshod through the process. They should be challenging the assumptions, forcing improvements to the project, solving traffic issues, and taking control of the whole issue. Instead they just sit there and never raise an issue.
What happens out there will be there for generations. If it is wrong, it will always be wrong. The only way to make it right is to build it right, to force the project to benefit Fremont and Fremont residents. And, once it is built, it can never be fixed.
August 30th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
According to the A’s and Cisco’s advanced PR, Cisco Field will be the most technologically advanced, state-of-the-art ball field in the U.S.
Too bad we will have to depend on Henry Ford’s invention to get there.
August 30th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Warble -
It isn’t MY job to come up with solutions to the problems created by this proposed “opportunity”. As I’ve indicated, I feel that the scope of this project is well beyond the capabilities or will of our current city management. I do not trust them to strike a balance between business and constituency interests. T
However it IS my right and responsibilty as a member of this community to consider and comment on the directions our city leaders are proposing to take our city.
Your rhetorical suggestion that YOU AND I could somehow get together to resolve the problems with this project is the same kind of blurry-eyed obfuscation that distracts from the basic problems facing our city and the seeming inability of our current leaders to solve these very basic financial / managment issues - much less negotiate, plan and implement a “world class” venue such as this.
August 30th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Supes,
As far as you and I getting together to work out your own blurry eyed devils advocate blues was strictly a rhetorical metaphor for the community process. I would suggest that it is your responsibility as a member of this community to render potential solutions for your perceived problems (be they valid or not)and not just take cheap shots from the peanut gallery.
What you have indicated is a lack of vision and an unwillingness to go beyond your underlying issues. Which is OK and certainly your prerogative.
As such I can see why you have trust issues with our city government. And of course you can have your say with the coming election.
All said, I dont think your NIMBY anti-stadium arguments have merit. But I respect your anti-establishment attitude!
And the hot dog and beer offer still holds
Fremont is about to join the big leagues and its been a long time coming!!!!
August 31st, 2008 at 9:25 am
Folks take a close look at this. Warble suggests that it’s my responsibilty to come up with solutions to a project proposed by others (not supported by me) - and unless I do so, I’m guilty of “taking cheap shots from the peanut gallery.”
This is how the proponents of the A’s stadium thinnk.
I have an “anti-establishment” and “NIMBY” attitude because I dont support the A’s stadium, not because it is, in itself, a bad idea, but because I city leadership has difficulty planning for and executing simple day-to-day tasks (tax revenue forecasting for example) much less a large project like this.
Nothing that Warble or Jon Simon have said here amount to anything other than “feel good” anecdotes about baseball. Nothing that Warble or Jon Simon have said here amount anything that provides reason to trust those that are “negotiating” on behalf of constituency.
August 31st, 2008 at 9:53 am
Supe,
Your reliance on cheap shots, personal attacks and a chicken little worldview is quite evident. Again, what suggestions are you bringing to the table? I’m eager to hear if you have anything except red herrigs and an obvious bias against the current city govt. Let go of the hate and eat some peanuts! And let’s see if we can find common ground?
August 31st, 2008 at 10:08 am
No personal attacks or “cheap shots” warble -
I believe I have substantiated my concerns with specificity - unlike your accusation of “cheap shot” and “personal attack” -
Please - enlighten me - where are the “personal attacks” that I have levied at you or any other personality ?
August 31st, 2008 at 10:34 am
SuperDuper,
We are still waiting for your “specificity”?? You still haven’t backed up any of your anti-A’s new park assertions other than to blow off my enthusiasm about the future stadium as “feel good anecdotes” –hardly the stuff of a seasoned critic such as yourself!
For someone claiming to be batting a thousand, you have yet to hit a foul ball!
Please enlighten us as to under what circumstances wold you support the new park?
Im sure we all agree that we want the best deal available and that the City should continue to negotiate until we get it right. We all want a win-win!
And since you have announced your distaste for the current city govt, would you be willing to share which candidate(s) you deem fit to be our next Mayor and Council?
August 31st, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Ummmm - let’s see Warble - I have repeatedly stated in this blog sentiments such as “…inability of our current leaders to solve these very basic financial / managment issues - much less negotiate, plan and implement a “world class” venue such as this.” OR “Our city has difficulty executing on sound fundamentals. I have zero confidence that we can negotiat, plan and manage the creation of a “world class” venue” - what other “specific” concerns do you NEED ?????
Wow - and the point about batting 1000 was simply a thought that between yourself and Jon Simon, it seems that the kinds of concerns I express about our city management, extends to the other proponents of this proposed project.
And AGAIN - with the personal commentary which, as always, is counterproductive, Warble - what’s up with “.. a seasoned critic such as yourself!”
Anecdotes, personal commentary, unwillingness to discuss important issues . . . If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was at a city council meeting
August 31st, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Supes,
You must be a poletician! Only a professional politico can say so much and say nothing at the same time!-I know you are trying to be funny but your attempts at personal jabs are trivial at best, but not everyone is blessed with a sense of humor!
Good luck pushing your “agenda”
August 31st, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Wow -
Let’s see - Warble says - “We are still waiting for your “specificity” to which I responded with the specific concerns I have about our current leadership.
Warble says - “..your attempts at personal jabs are trivial …” but, I have made no “personalized jabs” as you suggest - “…professional politico can say so much and say nothing at the same…”
WOW - to be so obviously guilty of the very charges you attempt to lay at my doorstep, to be so flagrant in personal attacks with so little factual substantiation of your “opinions” - I can only encourage others who are making their minds up about this important project, to consider your comments herein.
Anyone with a degree of inteellect can see these respective positions for what they are.
Proponents of this plan are consistantly (at least in this BLOG) reliant on anecdote, personal assault, and sentiment to support their respective positions.
AND yet Warble says things like - “attacks and a chicken little worldview . . . ” and “
August 31st, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Oh supes
You have so many axes to grind! Yet you have failed to answer even one question. Its truly a creative web you weave! You shooting fom the hip, but you have as of yet not substantiated any of your charges beyond your obvious bias.And you do have a chicken little view,,the world will not end if the deal goes through–Fremont will still be standing and in fact be MUCH better off for it. So you can desist from the sky is falling rants and your elitist tone will not win many fans for you either! But its ok, I will still buy you a beer and a dog when the 2 of us go see the A’s at our new Fremont stadium!
I think I understand why you have so much angst about this great project—you are a Giants fan,,huh?
I must admit you are funny in the way you try to tie the entire stadium deal to our “watercooler” blog/discussion!
Cyah at Cisco Fields! Let’s Go A’s!!!
September 1st, 2008 at 7:01 am
Note to all die-hard supporters of the A’s move to Fremont: It’s time to take on this very important issue. What local landmark should be featured during nationally broadcast playoff games? In S.F. it’s the Golden Gate Bridge; in St. Louis, the Gateway Arch; Philadelphia, Independence Hall. What local structure will be instantly recognizable by baseball fans across the U.S.A. that says Fremont?
September 1st, 2008 at 8:00 am
Tri City Landfill ?
September 1st, 2008 at 8:49 am
Local sites include Lake Elizabeth, the Niles sign, Quarry Lakes, Coyote Hills, the SF Bay, and of course, eventually, the new stadium.
Getting out of a parking garage is not significantly more difficult than getting out of a parking lot. With all their technological skill, Cisco might even be able to make the whole thing easier, with stop lights or something. I’m not saying build a single twenty story building. I am saying build several smaller ones.
The Oakland stadium has dedicated roads to get onto the freeway. Roads and on/offramps can be built, like at the end of Christi Street. I believe that’s an open field. Yes, in a good deal, the A’s would pay for most of it.
Games in Fremont will jam up the 880, but not every night. I believe it’s worth the cost. Perhaps it will encourage people to take BART and shuttles. Transporting 6000 people via shuttles is a large task, but nothing compared to what a school district does every day. Some creative dealing might involve the A’s paying for district buses to run back and forth on game night while providing extra funding to restore the transportation cuts. It would work out well for everyone.
The A’s can pay for extra police, maintenance, and fire with a long term contract to ensure consistent funding. Increased sales tax will also help.
I agree that, if it’s done wrong, we’ll be in trouble and paying for it for a long time. I also know that we do not have the whole story. There is a lot of dealing going on between the city and A’s. If there wasn’t, the stadium would be breaking ground already.
Having met Natarajan, Wasserman, Diaz, and Wieckowski, I’m convinced they’re smart enough to do a good job.
September 1st, 2008 at 9:03 am
Mission Peak is a beautiful site that will translate to the media during game day. I can picture the opening shot of Mission Peak, before the camera pans down to Cisco Fields. I think the Mission San Jose could provide a nice feature as well. Though, televised Warriors games always show San Fran, so you expect that the networks will feature San Fran landmarks for A’s games in Fremont. You can expect the same for the 49ers in the future Santa Clara digs.
September 1st, 2008 at 10:12 am
Who will pay for the fire and police and road maintenance services required by the 3000 new homes that will be built as part of the ballpark village? Since the property tax money from these homes will also go into the Redevelopment Agency, it can’t be used to fund the services these homes will need.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:54 am
Charlotte, maybe Matt could ask Mr. Dutra if he would provide specifics about his comment on the Baseball Village supporting and enhancing local public transportation.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Jon Simon -
I agree with you, there are some beautiful sites that our city affords and perhaps even a couple of “world class” views.
I’ll take exception with the idea that the folks you mention (Wasserman, Natarjan, Diaz, etc.) are “smart enough” to negotiate this project. While your assessment is based on having met them - my lack of confidence is based on their ACTIONS while operating our city. . . . . specifically, inability to forecast and anticipate fluctuations in tax revenue to a major degree, poor judgement regarding appropriatness of a speculative trip to China, poor judgement regarding opportunities to generate revenue for the city. . . . heck, we haven’t been able to get a cohesive plan on Centerville off the ground. It is for this reason that I’m fearful of the A’s development - not because it isn’t a great opportunity - but because the folks in City Hall have demonstrated to me their relative ineptitude.
These problems that I allude to are simple and basic and dont require the kind of shrewd and specialized negotiationing skills requisite to get the citizens of Fremont a fair deal on this prospective development.
I can share your dream of a major league ballpark in our city - but City Hall hasn’t earned the kind of trust we’d need to have in them to handle such an investment.
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:48 am
NO TO THE BALLPARK IN FREMONT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:49 am
YES,YES and YES TO BRINGING THE A’s HOME to FREMONT!!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I Vote we put the ballpark in Worbleflys bakyard.Since you love this Idea so much then build it in your part of town that way all your family and friends can enjoy the increase of crime and traffic. This project would never happen if they wanted to build it in NIle’s.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:26 pm
WarbleFly Says:
worble Says:
ENOUGH
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Sorry Worble you have struck out again! There will be a decrease in crime. There will be an increase in badly needed public transportation! There will be world class entertainment option in our town! There will be in an increase in quality of life. And I welcome your vote! Fremont is my backyard! Lets build it HERE!!!!
The A’s are coming to Fremont! This will be the single greatest thing EVER to happen to this town!
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:55 pm
YES TO THE BALLPARK IN FREMONT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:09 pm
warblefly and worble this lively debate will best be made with the officials who are undergoing this project. Not eachother - unless Worble and Warblefly are people involved with this development project.
No to the A’s in Fremont: it will downgrade Fremont in every way possible. An environmental scan would be beneficial in order to make an educated decision. Check out the city stats for Oakland and San Francisco where the ballpark is located. Then compare it with Fremont.
Fremonts crime index in the past 7 years has risen by 37.8. Luckily in 07 we dropped by a .3! This has risen without a ballpark present in Fremont. In 2006 fremont only had 188 full time law enforsement officials for a city containing more than 200,000 citizens. In a census conducted for Fremont it was shown 3/4ths of Fremont residents drove to work and the average time it toke to get to work was 30 minutes. Just imagine how much longer it will take with a ball park in the city. That means wake up 2 hours earlier to get to work on time kids. No revenue to pay for police, fire department, maintaince? How much will Fremont benefit from having the A’s here? And how much of that will actually go to the city to help rebuild at least maintain it?
The local politicians leading this project need to analyze this project more thoroughly. Then maybe we can have the A’s in Fremont with realistic solutions to each of the problems discussed on this blog.
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Individuals who enter politics usually do so because they are civic-minded folks, who want to do good things for their community. Be it a ballpark or a water slide, once they present their great idea, it acts like a snowball heading downhill. It builds momentum and continues to grow. There’s no stopping it, even if a majority of people might object. It begins with good intentions, but little thought as to its long term implications.
Those involved pat each other on the back upon its completion, truly believing they made their community a better place.
Only time will tell how great their idea really was and if it comes to be determined it was bad, those responsible have long ago left office and it’s resolution is someone else’s problem.
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Crime in the SOMA area after the Giants park was built went way, way down! And business has prospered! That area used to be such a slum. Remember that SOMA area had far less residents before the park as well. Same thing in Baltimore, same thing in Denver and scores of other cities as well. So in my opinion, the crime issue is a red herring.
The new park will enable Fremont to blossom and begin to approach her status as the 4th largest city in the 5th biggest media market in the United States! There is no statistical measure that accurately tracks the huge positive impact the A’s will bring to town. Fremont is a major league size city but for many years past has suffered from a lack of a downtown and a lack of vision in leadership, especially in the mayors office. This park is a monumental step forward, a landmark step!
As far as being married to our cars, that is a challenge that has to be met. But by the time the Jewel of Fremont is open and the A’s take the field, the fans will know how to get to the park and will find public transport. And as someone who is routinely in and around the Coliseum on game days, it is an overrated issue, the traffic caused by by events at the site have a limited impact on 880. And 880 in Oakland is far busier stretch than the Fremont corridor. And Cisco Fields is going to be one of the smallest seat capacity parks in baseball which will also diminish traffic fears. And like many others, I will be purchasing one of the new homes in the village, so my family will be walking to the games!
All said, this blog serves as a means fo Fremont residents to vet their likes, dislikes and concerns and even though I don’t always agree and (think some folks are way super duper in outer space left field),but I LOVE the wide diversity of thought and opinions, both pro and con about the park! I do think the overwhelming majority of Fremont residents share my enthusiasm about bringing the A’s home!
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:36 pm
No To the Ballpark in Fremont!!!!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I appreciate worbles steadfast stance! But,,,,YES<>YES>><>to the A’s new home in FREMONT!!! A’s Baseball is 100% Fremont!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Do you want 4,600,000 square feet of high-density R&D offices and Asian Shopping mall or Oakland A’s Ballpark Village?
Yes To the Ballpark in Fremont!!!!!!
http://www.thefremontbaseballvillage.com
http://www.astofremont.com
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:51 pm
You know to whom I speak….thanks a lot for using up every exclamation mark available on the Web. (I would have put an exclamation mark at the end of that sentence, but couldn’t find any).
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:06 pm
“..think some folks are way super duper in outer space left field..” - Glad that Warble still sees fit to continue with the personalized commentary and hasn’t addressed the underlaying concerns expressed about the A’s project - specifically, the demonstrated incompetancy of those who will be managing this project on behalf of the taxpayers . . .
And from what Warble and Jon Simon continue to spew forth, it appears that the proponents of this project are just as glassy-eyed - comments such as - “But by the time the Jewel of Fremont is open and the A’s take the field, the fans will know how to get to the park and will find public transport…” - suggest that “We’ll figure it out, eventually.” - “Let’s not worry about it today.”
GREAT civic minds, these.
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:40 pm
My Pal, SuperDuped stated;
suggest that “We’ll figure it out, eventually.” - “Let’s not worry about it today.”
Nice of you to speak for me, but that’s not at all what i said. (Clearly, we have years to get ready for Opning Day!) However,your attempt at twisting words out of context does remind me of a great 1960s era song!(,,cant recall the Artist though!)
Suped,,are you running for office? Because you are always railing against our city leaders? And if your not, who do you propose we vote for?
You should let go of the hate and take positive steps to be elected since you think our elected officials are doing such a bad job.
And I guess you think the majority of Fremont voters that voted our leaders in are equally inept? How did you put it “demonstrated incompetancy” is that really how you feel about the majority of your fellow Fremont voters? I think the current Administration is doing a fine job, of course I would like to see them get even better, but to call them incompetent is ludicrous. But, it does fit into your elitist mindset.
Supers, you also commented with great wit;
“GREAT civic minds, these.”
Based on your previous rants (with maybe one notable exception when you must have felt common ground was tangible) the only civic you have any grasp on is produced by Honda! And you should be a proud Civic owner! Those cars are durable and have great mileage too!
And still you waffle on about “underlaying concerns” that you have yet to conclusively state other than your partisan bias against our city leaders. And you know you can still be a Giants fan, no one will hold that against you!
All said, you know I love you and I will honor my promise to you and treat you to your hot dog with all the fixins and a good beer when we enjoy the A’s at Fremonts Cisco Fields!;)
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Bob Wasserman for Fremont Mayor
Bob Wasserman is running for Fremont mayor and we should consider voting for him. He wants the following and If you agree please vote for him on Nov.4 2008.
1.Found ways to fund the BART extension to Warm Springs making BART to Santa Clara achievable 2.Greatly expanded retail and restaurants 3.Invited Oakland “A’s” to explore possibility of making Fremont home. They have since started process with hopes of being approved to build a baseball village including stadium, retail-entertainment center, hotel and housing. An exciting opportunity and possibly one of the most important decisions that Fremont will make is the Baseball Village project. A project as complex as this will require knowledge, skill and the kind of leadership I bring to the office. 4.Encouraged and actively meet with “Green Businesses” that are developing ways to reduce the carbon footprint and find alternatives to being held hostage by the Oil lords of the world. 5.Was instrumental in bringing about a Citywide focus on creating a place where people an live, work play and shop. 6.Since he becoming Mayor Fremont has added 90 new restaurants. He personally recruited several.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Warble -
Try to stay focussed on the issues -
I’ve made some very specific charges about our city’s relative incompetency - you can find those charges herein. . . not you nor any of the other A’s fans have addressed these points except to assert personalized commentary at your opponents.
That you and your other fan (Jon Simon) resort to these kinds of tactics speaks volumes about your motive and lack of critical thinking skills.
Good luck !
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Oh my Dear SuperDuped,
Whats wrong with you? We are not “opponents”! we are simply fellow residents and bloggers sharing conversation around the 21st century water cooler! And your cheap shot attempt to wash away you stated bias without any facts by blaming me for “kinds of tactics”? What are you talking about? Man up and speak for yourself!
Yes, I am very enthusiastic about the A’s coming to town. And that gets under your skin. Why?
You make all kinds of “incompetent” charges against our city leaders and the electorate that put them there. And when your argumentative fallacy’s are pointed out to you. You run and hide behind your elitist vocabulary. You wag your finger and blame someone else. No sir, I do not accept your attempts to turn my comments into some trivial form of commentary against our elected leaders. You have made no “specific” charges other than to display your dislike of our civic leaders. You refuse to reveal who you think we should support to replace our leaders. You refuse to use any facts to support your ludicrous claims about incompetency! And then you try to belittle my admitted enthusiasm about bringing the A’s home to Fremont as some sort of validation for your hateful bias!
And worst of all, you apparently have no sense of humor, good lord, man,,can’t we all get along??
Do you like sauerkraut on your hot dog or just mustard?
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:21 pm
“You make all kinds of “incompetent” charges against our city leaders and the electorate that put them there. And when your argumentative fallacy’s are pointed out to you. You run and hide behind your elitist vocabulary. You wag your finger and blame someone else.” - you need to do some more homework, Warble.
The specifics are right here for you to respond to if and when you cease your emotional ranting and decide to do the work of an intellectual discussion.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Ok,my sweet Supeduper,
Your blatant refusal to answer any questions posed to you is clear and evident. Perhaps you should take your own advice and do your own homework. Take a critical thinking class and hone those skills of yours. Im sure Ohlone offers courses in that discipline. You may learn what an underlying premise is and how to use it both in conversation with your friends and with(gasp) perceived “opponents”!
You havent laid out any specifics to back up your distaste of our elected leaders and the people that put them there. Unless you truly think a quick sentence here and there like your quick reference to the troubled Centerville redevelopment is actually specific to your charges. If that is what you are trying to use as intellectual support then you have nothing to stand on.
And once again, you trot out the old “wag your finger” approach to mask your lack of content.
Let me make it simple for you. You dont like our current council apparently for your own personal reasons that you dont want to share in this forum. Then who do you support in the next election? Its a simple question. If you dont want to answer it, thats ok, but dont bother hiding behind your innuendo and trivial finger pointing. Im sure you will keep running, diverting and hiding as per your m.o, but why not surprise us all and seek common ground?
Secondly, do you like relish and onions or are you a ketchup and hot dog man? What kind of beer do you prefer? I like IPAs myself.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:16 pm
To Super Duper, Doug, Ohlone Student, worble and other sane Fremont residents,
Just ignore WarbleFly and non-Fremont rabid A’s fans who are immature and not able to engage in meaningful discussion. The average Fremont resident understand the real issues and will vote out Bob Wasserman and other incompetent incumbents.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Ok Zinger,
Who do we vote for? Who is running that will be better than the incumbent? And when you cant back up your statements like superduper, is that your measure of maturity?
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:42 pm
OK, Warblefly, We have a choice this year for Mayor and City Council too. If you look at the track record of the current Mayor for the last 4 years at so many issues, it is not good. If you are a Fremont resident, you will know what I am talking about. OK, I voted for Bob Wasserman in the 2004 Election but not this time.
Let me state the track record of Bob Wasserman who is leader of City.
1) Botched Verified Burglar Alarm response policy. Burglaries have gone up in City. City’s rating gone down to 60th in the most livable Cities.
2) Supported Utility tax proposal stating that City does not have enough funds for general services. Mysteriously, the City finds funds later. This is a big-time blunder. If Mayor is not able to control the City Staff, who can? He still supports Utility tax proposal.
3) No money for fixing potholed roads but how can the City afford to give good raise for City Manager who is just making 250K Salary
4) Any resident concern addressed to the City Council is being referred to City Staff where nothing happens.
5) Approved housing developments without considering impact on Schools. He claims schools are not City’s responsibility but embraces Schools Platform when it comes to Elections.
6) Claims A’s project generates lot of revenue. A careful review of the details that only 10-13% of revenue goes towards general services ie traffic, police etc. So, who will pay? IS IT WARBLEFLY or the Fremont tax payer
I can go on and on.
So, I say
“NO TO A’s and WASSERMAN in 2008″
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:49 pm
C’mon Zinger, answer the question.
Who do we vote for?
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:32 am
Super Duper
please refer to WorbleFly as such. I don’t want anybody to confuse me with this glossy red eyed Niles resident.
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:59 am
Worble,
You better be careful with the slanderous remarks. That kind of libel may have legal consequences for you.
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:21 am
Slanderous remarks? What are talking about. thats how you read it. NO TO THE BALLPARK IN FREMONT!!!!!
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:41 am
Anybody but “WASSERMAN” for Mayor in 2008. We still have 60 days to decide the right Mayoral candidate.
Time for Fremont stockholders i.e voters to get rid of the present CEO Bob Wasserman and elect a new one.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:14 am
Zing,
Wassermans competition isnt any better. What are you going do? Sit this one out?
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:18 am
worble babbled;
“I don’t want anybody to confuse me with this glossy red eyed Niles resident.”
That is slander and I will not accept that kind of libel against my character. So, Try to show some class and stay on the issue at hand.
And the issue is YES, YES and YES to the ballpark in FREMONT!
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:33 am
WorbleFLy
Unless this is your leagle name how can I slander a ficticious blogger. I do not agree with any of your rants and do not want to be confused with you. NO NO NO TO THE BALLPARK IN FREMONT!!!
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:37 am
Yes, Yes, Yes to the BALLPARK IN FREMONT
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:38 am
Ok,,its true, worble may be my long lost twin brother! Hence the similar names!
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:27 pm
It’s the war of the w(a/o)rbles. I’ve lost my marbles!
September 4th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Hi, Jon Simon.
Are you still there ?
H E L L O O O O O O - is anyone here ??????????
Hmmmmm . . . everyone is gone, wonder why ?
Go A’s !!!
September 4th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
I think WarbleFly is an Argus employee.
September 4th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I am the real deal WarbleFly and my little cuz that stole my nik has called out poor jon simon! Litt;e W-Fly,,leave the man alone and use your own nik!
Yes siree,,I did not post #71, that was perpetrated by one of my admirers,,next time just send me some chocolates!
September 4th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Nah,,,Im not an Argus employee. in fact I think the state of newspapers today is a sorry lot.
September 6th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Warble, Jon Simon or other fans of current Fremont management, I’ve tried to give careful thought to the respective debate and positions on the Cisco field and I think I’ve come up with a (for me) pivotal question that, if we can remain fixed on the facts, might yield some consensus in our debate. Here’s my thought -
1. The relative advantages/disadvantages of the proposed Cisco development will, in large measure, come down to fiscal impact - costs hopefully will be offset by revenues. There will be much that the city management will have to forecast and negotiate that will ultimately create some econonmic result.
2. The economic projections will have to span many, many years of the proposed ballpark operations. The timeframe of these projections will make these difficult - not impossible, but it will require sharp minds.
My question is this - the city has demonstrated its inability to project tax revenues from year-to-year accurately. Remember the Utility Tax we sorely needed followed by a tax surplus ? Now - before you get into the variables of residential property tax projections, I’ll agree that there’s some uncertainties.
My question is - if City Hall can’t project year-over-year tax incomes, why would I trust them with an accurate projection of the proposed ballpark economic benefit over a life of, perhaps, 20 year ?
As I said - this is a pivotal point for me. I hope one of you or another City Hall proponent would help me to understand where my “sentiment” on this point is seriously flawed.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Has there been any more discussion of putting elevated pedestrian walkways over the Automall/Christy Street intersection ?
Doesn’t it make sense to keep the flow of traffic coming off of 880 unimpeded by the large amount of pedestrian traffic trying to cross Automall from proposed parking to the North ?
THis sure seems like a great idea.
September 6th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Bbox,
there have been rumours about a pedestrian bridge but the EIR is not out yet, when it is issued in a few weeks we will know there solutions to the traffic and parking problems.
SuperDuper,
What tax revenues, 85 or 90 percent of the taxes will go to Redevelopment Agency.
No money from redevelopment funds can pay for Police, Fire or Street Maintenance.
It is a huge pot of money that the City Council (Redevelopment Agency) Can play Developer, like the Bart Station in Irvington , that I am not sure anyone wants.
A Bart Station every 2 miles?
September 6th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Good point, and I stand corrected -
Whatever category of “proceeds” from the stadium are a part of our analysis and projections - my point was that I am hopeful that someone can help me understand why I would trust far more convoluted and longer-term projections from the stadium “investment” when we struggle to make year-over-year projections of tax revenues.
September 6th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Dont forget our ongoing inability to develope a cohesive plan, and more importantly, a tangible result for our Centerville project.
We want these folks to build a “world class” stadium (????!!!) - heck, they can’t produce a tangible result in a couple of blocks that make up the Centerville district - WHY WOULD YOU TRUST THESE JOKERS to manage the development of a MLB stadium ????