City to formally support Portland Diamond Project with resolution

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Portland Diamond Project is responding after Mayor Ted Wheeler formally declared his support for bringing a Major League Baseball team to the city and announced that the City Council will vote on a resolution to move the project forward next week.

The resolution directs the city manager to establish a task force to “ensure that Portland is well positioned to host a Major League Baseball team” and directs city staff to support Portland’s acquisition of Zidell Yards Diamond Project and evaluate city-owned assets and properties. that could be included as part of a competitive baseball franchise.

Last month the Portland Diamond Project signed a letter of intent purchase a 33-acre parcel of land on the South Waterfront known as Zidell Yards for the future home of a Major League Baseball stadium.

In a statement, the Diamond Project said: “The Portland Diamond Project is working closely with the city of Portland. This resolution is an important sign of progress and we are excited for the city council to consider it next week. “We are committed to ensuring our plans align with the city’s goals to promote sustainability, equity and economic opportunity, and contribute to the fabric of the Portland metropolitan region in a way that benefits everyone.”

“This will be the first time the City Council process actually formally supports MLB. “It’s an important step,” Wheeler said Thursday. “It’s something the MLB commissioner is explicitly looking for.”

In a statement released Friday, Wheeler said, “Professional sports are essential to driving economic growth and attracting investment in Portland.”

We spoke to a few people on Friday who support the project moving forward.

“I’m a big baseball lover and a lot of us here don’t want to travel to Seattle or California, so I think it would be very good for the city,” Ishaiq Hussain said.

“With the things that have happened recently, maybe it gives us a little more joy,” Mayra Elicea-Chávez said.

Others don’t think he’s the right choice for Portland.

“It involves building large facilities that draw a lot of traffic and can destroy neighborhoods,” Lynn Handlin said.

“It’s a complicated project that will require a lot of resources, and I just don’t think there is demand to support it,” Todd Walters said.

So far, three city commissioners told KATU News they plan to vote yes on the resolution: Dan Ryan, Carmen Rubio and Mingus Mapps.

In an interview with KATU News, Commissioner René González supported the project.

“I think Zidell Yards is a fantastic location on the river. So I’m very excited to achieve that for the city,” he said. “And there’s a lot of work to do to accomplish that and win that bid for the city. So we’re not even in the first inning yet, but we’re looking forward to that pursuit.”

A Project Diamond spokesperson said leaders might have more to say after the council vote, scheduled for Oct. 30.