Councilwoman: Residents Say “Hell No” to Shockoe Stadium

Move one more to the no column, or in this case, the hell-no column.

Mayor Dwight Jones needs seven of the nine City Council members to make his Shockoe Bottom ballpark plan a reality. Eighth District Councilwoman Reva Trammell says she won’t be one of them.

Trammell says she says she made up her mind after a district meeting during which she polled constituents.

“Ninety-seven said ‘hell no’,” she reports. “Only 15 supported it. I’ve got to go with my people on this. … There’s nothing in the deal for us. It’s for the developers who are going to get richer.”

Fifth District Councilman Parker Agelasto says that — at least for now — he also opposes the stadium plan, which calls for a hotel, apartments and a grocery store.

“They’re telling us that it’s all or nothing at this stage and you can’t nitpick it,” he says. “Given that, and the lack of information I have at this stage, I am currently opposed to it. There’s more questions than answers at this point, until they resolve those issues I’m opposed.”

Agelasto says he wants to know more about the historic preservation element and how that might proceed without a ballpark. He says he’s also concerned about the economic forecasts, which he says are overly optimistic.

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Where They Stand

Based on public statements, past votes and hunches. Please note these are predictions and will change.

Likely Yes
Jon Baliles, Kathy Graziano, Michelle Mosby, Cynthia Newbille, Ellen Robertson

Likely No
Reva Trammell, Parker Agelasto

Toss-Ups
Charles Samuels, Chris Hilbert

TRENDING

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