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.
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."
FULL STORY: Opinion: What about the black families Oakland A’s would displace?
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