New City Council Members Talk Stadium Project
By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: November 13, 2012
"I do not support the downtown stadium," says Don Munson, Councilman Elect. "I'm not going to vote for it, but I will vigorously support keeping the Suns here on or near the present site. Unless there's a better site somewhere."
The $37 million stadium project is a top concern for residents and it was also a major deciding factor for who got into office.
"The people that I chose won, and I was hoping that things would change with those new people in office," says Michael Robinson, who lives close to the proposed site.
Robinson says he voted for candidates like Don Munson just because he hopes the project would come to a stall.
"In February it'll be eight years that I've lived in this house and if it's coming I'm leaving," says Robinson.
Hagerstown officials say funding will come from the city, county and state along with a $15 million private donation.
"If private contributions are in place and we have a good prospect to get state funding, I think the downtown location is the most rational place to make a major investment in baseball," says Martin Brubaker, Hagerstown City Councilman.
"I favor what I believe would be an affordable situation," says Lewis Metzner, Hagerstown City Councilman, "But I'm willing to listen to everyone's discussions about anything."
If the Suns are on board, they'll pay $6 million in lease payments for 20 years.
Councilman Elect Kristin Aleshire says, "I think until things like that sort of flesh themselves out I'm not certain that anybody can take or have an educated and intelligent and informed position on the issue."
The City is also waiting for a phase two environmental study report.
New council members will be sworn in at the end of this month.



