It is not immediately clear if either side wants to reopen negotiations on key terms of the deal. For example, a proposal to swap out the proposed artificial turf for real grass would greatly increase the cost burden of maintaining the property.
Simitian, for his part, told The Standard he’s concerned some of his colleagues were not adequately informed of Fisher’s history, given their reactions to public benefits he described as “laughable.”
“Not everyone reads the sports pages, but I do,” Simitian said. “Anyone who has glanced at the news knows that there is universal frustration with the way A’s ownership dealt with the community and government partners.”
Keeping the A’s in Oakland was contingent on the city partially subsidizing a proposed $12 billion redevelopment of Howard Terminal, including a new 35,000-seat ballpark, 3,000 new homes, hotels, a performing arts center, retail, and office space. Although the two sides negotiated for years on terms, there was skepticism that Oakland could provide what Fisher wanted, given its current budget woes.