RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — While there’s been a stalemate between Richmond, Henrico County, and Chesterfield County over the location of a new baseball stadium, Mayor Dwight Jones says the desire to have a free standing children’s hospital brought all three together, leaders deciding the best location for a hospital would be on the Boulevard, where the Flying Squirrels currently play.
“And that brought about the discussion about where the Richmond Squirrels would play,” said Mayor Jones.
Henrico County manager John Vithoulkas says he went to the mayor after the Squirrels president voiced concerns over the lack of movement for a new ball park. The three localities have decided to meet with the Flying Squirrels individually and decide by year’s end where a new ballpark should be.
“This is a good way to allow the squirrels to drive the train, to allow them to determine where they want to be,” said Jones.
“I think that’s the way it should have been,” said Del. Manoli Loupassi who represents parts of the city of Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield counties.
Loupassi has been an outspoken critic of the city taking all the responsibility for a new stadium.
“I think in the end that everybody understands that the boat will move better if all the oars are in the water,” said Loupassi.
Developer Charlie Diradour has been a staunch proponent of keeping the Squirrels on the Boulevard.
“There was this us versus them mentality vis-a-vis the baseball stadium and other projects,” said Diradour.
“I don’t think anyone of us wants to lose baseball in the city,” said Diradour.
But he says he supports the partnership.
“In the end if it’s financially the best thing for all partners, then so be it,” said Diradour.
“The next question is going to be whether public dollars should be solely used or how they’re going to do it,” said Loupassi.
But officials are optimistic a solution will come out from leaders working together. Meanwhile the mayor has extended the lease at the Squirrels’ current stadium through 2017.
