In short, no.
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez’s my word column from the Oakland Tribune is a bit loose on supporting information, but I agree with the conclusion. There is little reason for any venture to consider Fremont, be it a pro sports team, a software firm, a night club, a non-eastern eatery, a biotech R&D lab, a movie theater, an arts museum or performing arts center or anything else that doesn’t fit within the narrow confines and contingencies required by our segregated and self-interest-obsessed citizenry.
From my short time living in Fremont (7 years), it has become blatantly obvious that to move ahead with any semblance of progress, the end result must fit within the narrow contingencies required by the many self-interested factions in Fremont. These factions are often separated by race and immigration origin, and not coincidentally segregated by wealth. Environmental zealotry often plays a role. But at the core I believe it is the inherent historical segregation of the Fremont townships, where those living in one township have an agenda that often conflicts with requirements of the greater city.
NIMBYism forges the future of Fremont and rules the discourse, as evidenced by the only major advocacy group in Fremont being rooted in the preservation of a privileged way of life, far removed from that experienced by greater Fremont. And, 2010 council candidate Vinnie Bacon has pledged to fight for that preservation.
For example, economic development may be a necessity for the survival and vitality of Centerville, while the effort may be entirely useless to a homeowner in Warm Springs — unless a friendly retailer is included in the greater plan. The redevelopment of Niles main street is likely to be seen as an impediment to a Mission Hills resident’s homeward commute, while at the same time being vital to the island community of Niles.
The idea of the Fremont A’s is no different. A referendum on the stadium among Fremont voters would surely pass. The current city government is wholly behind it. Hundreds of supporters have rallied in favor at one of the last existing entertainment spots in Fremont. The A’s project would continue the prosperity and relevance of the land occupied by and surrounding the NUMMI plant. Without the Fremont A’s, the land is destined to be a wasteland for a generation.
The NIMBY opposition to the Fremont A’s is limited to a far segregated class of status-ists who consider a sports venue 2 miles away and across an 8 lane freeway a threat to their child’s education (and more importantly, their fleeting property values). They have sought solace in an advocacy group as well as an opportunist anti-development zealot who has leached on to the effort as a vehicle for political success (the Fremont Citizens Network and Vinnie Bacon, respectively).
But, little do the efforts of the FCN and Vinnie Bacon matter. The ultimate result of all their fervor is akin to pouring a cup of water in the ocean. The fact remains that for any employer, Fremont is not even on the short list of Bay Area destinations, let alone a list of national destinations.
How did that come to be?
Fremont may have extended it’s shelf life of a comfortable community with good schools and parks and affordable homes — all characteristics that have attracted a vital population in the past. All three of those characteristics are eroding, unsustainable by the absence of tax revenue created by retail commerce, coupled with unsustainable wages and benefits promised to city employees. The prospects of Fremont are fast becoming the reality suffered by Vallejo and Stockton.
A’s owner Lew Wolff knows this. You’d have to believe that any major firm ever interested in Fremont who wasn’t aware of this reality is aware by now. Perhaps an A’s stadium development would have sparked the fire for Fremont. But, it is impossible to ignite some excitement in Fremont when there are so many devoted to putting the fires out.
Fremont’s problem is in the city hall. The city policy is heavily influenced by big developers, and very few input from the residents. That’s why there are lots of fail projects and empty strip malls. Fremont doesn’t even have a downtown or a decent movie theater. They are not capable of planning a big project like a stadium. It would become a disaster.
Don’t blame the NIMBYs. We are NIMCY (Not In My CiTy). Many selfish business groups want to bring the A’s to Fremont “at all cost”. And they agree what ever plan the A’s proposed (3 times now!), because they can make a lot of money from the stadium project. The truth is “THE A’S ARE JUST NOT INTERESTED IN FREMONT”. Wake up!
To lure the A’s, Fremont will have to make lots of financial sacrifices, which would be detrimental to our city.
Try to do something better than personal attacks next time. Show some real data. This is not impressive, in fact, you probably forgot to take your pills again.
Tell all your friend to send their letter to support@astofremont.org that they want the A’s in Fremont including you. Also join A’s to Fremont support group on Facebook. Facebook.com/astofremont
Join “No Stadium in Fremont” group (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=103541375316).
Join “Baseball in San Jose” group (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=65559831564)
Join “Keep the A”s in Oakland” group (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2217727068)
Join “Let’s Go Oakland: Keep the A’s” page with 33,000+ fans (http://www.facebook.com/letsgooakland)
How interesting that a Warm Springs resident is so enthused about the A’s moving to SJ or another parcel in Oakland.
Anywhere but your backyard, eh?
Because the A’s fans know Fremont is a bad location for the A’s. Just let people know the A’s has many choices, and Fremont is a bad one.
How interesting to see a group of developers (some of them are not even living in Fremont) want to build a stadium in Fremont “at all cost”. They just want to make money at the resident’s expense.
Not In My CitY (NIMCY).
Bring the A’s to Fremont!!!!!!! Join facebook.com/astofremont or astofremont.org
Baseball is not a money generator.
Read these articles
http://people.albion.edu/jhakes/pdfs/houses.pdf
http://marketpower.typepad.com/market_power/2006/06/stadium_economi…
A’s best fit is San Jose, this is better for A’s and baseball:
http://www.probaseballforsanjose.com/
San Jose Redevelopment Agency: Land purchases for proposed ballpark: About $30 million
http://www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com” target=”_blank”>http://www.mercurynews.com/search/ci_14438740?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com
You have saved all your life
You take your life savings and buy a dude ranch
The dude ranch is doing well for many years
After couple of years you change cooks for you wagon train
Things are still going well
One day you take you green horn cowboys out for there first cattle drive
Things are going well and everyone is having fun
At noon you stop for lunch
Everyone is tired and hungry
After everyone is seated the cook plops down a cow pie on a plate in front of each greenhorn
All the greenhorns are displeased
The cook said; it is good for you, go ahead and eat it
Point: #1
The cook (Fremont city council) can tell the cow pie (A’s) is good for you,
I will never believe him
You may choose to debate whether a cow pie (A’s) is good for you,
I choose to replace the cook (Fremont City Council)
Didn’t know you had a blog marty! Very informational.