A’s finally make tangible progress on a new ballpark

Oakland Athletics Rendering of Howard Terminal DevelopmentIn the latest of a series of new ballpark victories, the Port of Oakland approved a long-term lease and an exclusive negotiating agreement on a purchase of a portion of the Howard Terminal property (the zone by Jack London Square that the A’s have identified as their new ballpark site).

According to A’s President Dave Kaval, part of the Howard Terminal ballpark property must be leased because of California law regarding waterfront land, however a large portion of the property can be purchased and the team plans to do that. The A’s will pay $3.8 million/year for the first 20 years of the lease. In the meantime they will also be making…