Council to consider ballpark contract

NEWS-TIMES

BY BEN HOGWOOD

Published: Monday, February 8, 2010 9:44 AM EST

Morehead CIty — The nation’s favorite pastime may again be the town’s top talking point Tuesday during the City Council’s regular meeting.

Councilman will again consider an agreement with Riverfront Sports and Entertainment of New Bern, to bring amateur collegiate baseball to the county. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. and takes place in the municipal chambers, located at 202 South 8^th St.

Riverfront, owned by Sabrina and Buddy Bengel, wants to use the newly developed O’Neal Baseball Field at Big Rock Stadium, part for the Morehead City Marlins, the franchise it owns. The ballpark is part of Rotary Park.

Public opinion has been divided on the proposal, with residents near the field expressing concerns over plans to sell beer during games.

In a previous meeting, councilman George Ballou said concession sales are a part of the bottom line for the company and beer sales make up an important segment of that.

The corporation received a new ally on Thursday, when the County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors passed a resolution urging the town to enter into an agreement with Riverfront Sports to bring the Marlins to town.

“… The presence of the Morehead City Marlins Baseball Club will have a significant local economic impact and also will attract countless visitors, vacationers and second home owners as patrons and supporters,” the resolution states.

The team, it continues, will be favorably marketed and promoted by the chamber, the Crystal Coast tourism Authority, the Crystal Coast Hospitality Association and others.

The resolution does not comment on whether beer should be sold at the games.

Other concerns with the ballpark include the noise created and possible impact of the lights on the surrounding neighborhood.

The current draft of the lease is for 10 years, with Riverfront paying the city $15,000 annually. Some councilmen have expressed apprehension with the length of the contract and what would happen if the corporation went out of business.

Additionally, the Morehead City Parks and Recreation staff will test the ballpark's lighting from 5:30-7 p.m. Monday.


Filing begins for 2010 elections

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of carolinacoastonline.com.

John C. wrote on Feb 9, 2010 9:20 PM:

" i am a concerned citizen and now that we've got the ball rolling....
no more beer at the seafood festival. councilman ballou is the co chair this year, so lets make it happen. fun fest is the big fundraiser and thats coming up, so that should be dry as well. there could be kids there. or there could be a child playing down by the waterside behind the civic center. of course the big rock party is going to be a lot less fun this year. but thats ok. ducks unlimited banquet? tough luck guys. i vote we move everything to jacksonville. our economy just doesn't need extra influx of cash. wow o wow. "

Cartert Mom wrote on Feb 10, 2010 7:15 AM:

" I agree! I guess now they will ban beer on the beach, I mean, my children could be right there. In addition, there is ZERO regulation. Then the drunken beachgoer will stumble to their car and drive throught the residential beachfront.... where are those complaints at?

Morehead has lost my business. I live halfway inbetween Jacksonville and Morehead. When given the choice, I will go south. Maybe Jacksonville will put some of their money together and build a stadium for the Marlins. I can't belive how ungrateful Morehead is being. Considering everything is closing down in Morehead, they would benefit so greatly by helping the Marlins be profitable, in turn, making the area financially healthy. "

Beaufort Mom wrote on Feb 10, 2010 8:53 AM:

" I drove through downtown MHC last weekend and couldn't believe the businesses that have closed within the last year. Imagine something fun for the kids TO DO and would boost an economy in sore need. Would love to see more people able to open their own business within a city that could actually support it! "

AB Voter wrote on Feb 10, 2010 9:12 AM:

" Build it across from the Sheraton or where Jungle Land was, better yet the 4 acres the Town bought where Food lion used to be. The beach needs more entertainment venues and could certainly use the tax revenue. AB and Bogue Banks pay the bulk of the taxes and get nothing back for all we contribute to parks and recreation in the county. If Morehead doesn't want the ball team then let another town consider the option.
Its all about people acting responsibly and writing a contract that makes the leasee pay and provide for security, restrooms, cleanup and responsible for limiting alcohol sales per person in some manner. Security cameras are at every professional and semi professional field that I know of and it shouldn't be any different here. "

mike m wrote on Feb 10, 2010 9:45 AM:

" Well I am from Havelock and would love to see a baseball team in MHC. I would attend the games and love our area very much and like to see it prosper. Can they not come up with a better excuse than beer? I agree with the other posters as that is the worst excuse you can make. I know, tell the public you do not like the color of the uniforms then it will all make sense! "

Jason wrote on Feb 10, 2010 1:01 PM:

" Are you kidding me? Who buys tickets to a payed sporting event and does not have access to beer? All stadiums have rules around beer consumption and quit serving before the end of the game and don't allow obviously drunk people to be served.

I first heard of this story and was excited that people are making moves to improve are community...only to have that feeling squashed after reading that it might not pass, due to this trivial concern.

Residents whom are concerned about beer consumption at baseball games, should be more concerned about the long term economic viability of MHC. Who wants to live in an area with nothing to do. "

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