The Lucas County Ballpark Project remains on schedule entering February 2000.

All three committees met in January to make progress on issues such as suite sales and naming rights, the interview and selection of an architect and engineering team, and the terms of hiring a bond counsel and financial advisor. Dates for public hearings will be announced soon!

President Sandy Isenberg, Chair of the Ballpark Founders Committee called suite sales the critical component of public – private partnering concept the Commissioners are pursuing. Suites will provide a signature destination for bringing clients, out-of-town executives and families into the heart of Lucas County. A major announcement is being planned for late March concerning suite sales and other revenue generating plans.

Proper, professional handling of county bonding and the income from revenue generating programs is one of the Commissioners top priorities. Commissioner Bill Copeland, who chairs the Finance Committee, met with his group on Jan. 26th to review a request for proposal for bond counsel and financial advisor.

Excitement is building around the choice for architect - HNTB Sports from Kansas City. With projects in Louisville and Dayton opening this spring, residents of Lucas County can get a preview of coming attractions. Visit http://www.hntb.com to see their award winning ballpark designs and learn more about the company.

Commissioner Harry Barlos chairs the Architect and Engineering Committee that interviewed and recommended HNTB Sports earlier in January. Also this month, Commissioner Barlos and key county staff traveled to Tempe, Arizona to attend a conference entitled “If You Build It, Will They Come” by the President’s Council on Economic Development. The answer is an emphatic, “YES!”

When these ballparks are built correctly they have an enormous impact on the community. Property values increase, as does revenue from property taxes. Restaurants and retail thrive from the increasing number of people drawn to historic areas near downtown, sales tax revenue also goes up. But its not just taxes and some retail and restaurant jobs, its about bringing life back to a blighted neighborhood, about feeling good, feeling better about Lucas County and Toledo.

In Arizona experts from across the country presented case studies, successes and red flags from cities in Utah, Arizona, California, and from midwestern cities like Dayton, Akron, and Louisville.

A passionate county executive from Trenton New Jersey also touted the effect of their ballpark. Sold out for years, spurring restaurants, hotels, housing rehabilitation, and numerous opportunities for wholesome, affordable family entertainment and the restoration of a positive self-image among its citizens.