Escondido City Council Makes Way for New Ballpark

At the Escondido City Council meeting on November 17, the council voted unanimously to purchase property located at 2120 Harmony Grove Road for use as a public-works yard.

The cost will be $6,050,000 plus escrow costs, and will accommodate community services, recycling/solid waste personnel, and a warehouse. The current public-works yard, located at 475 North Spruce Street, is being considered for the minor-league ballpark.

In a recent North County Times interview, councilman Dick Daniels said, "Whether we build the ballpark or not, that area is far too valuable for these [maintenance] functions because it's located so close to Highway 78, Interstate 5, and the Sprinter." Other councilmembers have said that the property is desirable because the price is reasonable.

In addition to a 56,352 square-foot building on 4.5 acres, a concrete parking lot, secured fence, and rolling doors are included in the purchase. The area is zoned to accommodate the city's heavy equipment trucks and only minor modifications are necessary before the March move-in date. Modifications include the addition of a training room, lockers, and showers, and outdoor lifts for fleet services.

"I think we have everything we need at this place," councilman Sam Abed said at the meeting. Loans from the wastewater fund, the public facilities fund, and fleet services will pay for the purchase.

A lease with a master tenant will be terminated, and two sublease holders — Stone Brewery and Carpet Club — may be asked to stay. If these two leases are continued, monthly revenue of approximately $13,000 will be available to help pay back the loans with interest.