Opinion: No to the Oakland A's Stadium Project

The A’s want to build a new stadium, housing, and office space on waterfront property in Oakland. However, the project would involve massive corporate handouts and threaten the jobs and housing of African-American residents.

1 minute read

January 12, 2020, 7:00 AM PST

By Camille Fink


Port of Oakland

Thomas Hawk / Flickr

In an opinion piece, George Holland Sr. outlines his opposition to the Oakland A’s proposal to build a new stadium, 3,000 luxury condominium units, and 1.5 million square feet of office space at Howard Terminal, a port property in Oakland.

"This project threatens thousands of good, high-paying jobs largely held by African-Americans at the Oakland waterfront and will overtake West Oakland neighborhoods with increased traffic and gentrification," says Holland.

Holland also objects to the local taxes that will help fund the project. "Providing subsidies and sweetheart deals for a professional sports team will not benefit us. The A’s have a home at the current Coliseum site with all the infrastructure and space they need, and they should redevelop there. The city should invest resources in what residents who have roots in Oakland for decades actually need."

Friday, December 27, 2019 in The Mercury News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

May 14 - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

May 14 - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

May 14 - Smart Cities Dive