Council approves agreement for MLB Youth Academy at George Ward Park
After weeks of discussion, the Birmingham City Council passed an authorization agreement for Major League Baseball to construct and operate a youth academy at George Ward Park.
The three-party agreement between the City of Birmingham, the Birmingham Park Board and MLB has been a point of contention in recent weeks, with some residents in the neighborhood voicing opposition over the location of the proposed park. It is now up to MLB whether or not they will choose to build their youth academy at George Ward or another location.
“Right now our focus is on bringing MLB to George Ward Park,” Council President Pro Tem William Parker said, as he sported a t-shirt urging MLB to choose the aforementioned location. “When we left off on March 5 the Council delayed the item for two weeks to give us the opportunity to do our due diligence. We’ve made a lot of progress we’ve received feedback from the community…Having an open dialogue is part of democracy. I’m willing to continue to have conversations with community stakeholders to see how we can move forward together.”
The Council voted 8 to 1 to approve the project moving forward with the one dissenting vote coming from Council President Abbott who represents District 3 where the park is located and where a majority of the opposition is centered.
“I do not believe that there is a single Councilor up here who would vote in defiance of their constituents wishes,” Abbott said, explaining that she has received a multitude of calls and emails opposing the project. “I find it difficult to believe you would all do that. I will vote my conscience. No one is opposed to having this in Birmingham, but there are other locations that could benefit greatly from this.”
After a prolonged discussion, some members of the Council said it was time to end the debate and put it to a vote. Prior to that, Councilor Steven Hoyt offered some thoughts on what the facility will mean for the city’s youth.
“We’re talking about the future of our children, we shouldn’t need to debate that at all,” Hoyt said. “I don’t know any society that doesn’t want their children to reach their full potential. This program gives them a chance at balanced development. It would be a no-brainer if these were for different children. Young folks are dying every single day. Young folks are committing suicide. This program gives them a chance to have some self-esteem. It’s not just for black and brown children, I imagine people from over the mountain and hoover will be utilizing this as well.”
It is now up to MLB to decide whether or not to push forward with the project at George Ward or use another location in Birmingham.
