The Fremont A’s, is there a chance?

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.

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