Four reasons why hundreds of Leland residents are against proposed baseball stadium

Many Leland residents have voiced their opposition to the proposed plan to construct a minor league baseball stadium to anchor a residential and entertainment development along busy U.S. 17 since news of the development broke earlier this year.

That opposition has only seemed to grow as more details about the proposed project are unveiled.

Last month, Leland officials reported the findings of a $30,000 economic feasibility study conducted by Chicago-based consulting firm Baker Tilly. The study found the construction of the stadium would total some $105 million – more than twice as much as the town’s total operating budget for the current fiscal year.

The study also found that the construction of the stadium and surrounding residential, dining, hotel, and retail development would generate some 29,695 temporary direct, indirect and induced jobs, generating over $5.1 billion in economic output and labor income. Property tax revenue from the development and operating revenues from the stadium would bring millions to the town over the next few decades, the study found.

Still, residents don’t seem convinced. A petition circulating online and opposing the development has collected nearly 1,000 signatures. Here are the reasons hundreds of residents still oppose the project.

Debt concern

Initial plans for the project proposed Brunswick County would pay to construct and own the stadium that would then be leased to REV Entertainment to bring a baseball stadium and surrounding development to the site.

Months after the initial project announcement, Brunswick County leaders decided against moving forward with funding the project.

Constructing the stadium would fall to the town and require a $105 million investment from the jump – an investment residents believe is too risky in the present economy.

Taxpayer dollars

While residents do not want the town to ensue debt for this project, they also don’t want taxpayer dollars funding the construction of the stadium.

“If REV Entertainment wants to build a stadium, they should obtain investors and build it themselves,” petition organizer Rhonda Florian said. “The taxpayers should not be saddled with this debt that could take generations to repay.  Our residents should not be impoverished to further enrich the wealthy.”

When the three parties announced the stadium project, Brunswick County ensured residents a tax hike would not be levied in order to pay for the stadium.

Other ‘pressing’ needs

Residents claim the town has needs that should be funded as opposed to an investment in entertainment.

In the petition, Florian says the town is in “desperate need” of improvements to school facilities and healthcare facilities, such as a hospital.

Read this: Brunswick’s rapid growth is impacting public schools. Are more tax dollars needed?

“Instead of financing a frivolous item like a stadium, our tax dollars would be better spent for schools, hospital, fire and police, and expanded infrastructure,” Florian said. “Every tax dollar spent on a stadium is a tax dollar taken away from those pressing needs.”

Proposed location

The development is proposed for a 1,400-acre site along U.S. 17 nearby the Leland Walmart and Brunswick Forest.

The opposing petition claims the location is “inappropriate” and a stadium and entertainment development would not mix well with the surrounding residential area as it could bring “noise pollution, light pollution, increased traffic, and crime” to the area.

Of particular concern were the neighborhoods of Brunswick Forest, Mallory Creek Westport and Westgate, as well as nearby Magnolia Greens and Waterford.

“Quality of life will decline dramatically in these neighborhoods, and property values may decline as well,” Florian said. “If REV Entertainment wants to build a stadium, a better location needs to be found.”

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The change.org petition was created on Oct. 19 and has already garnered 958 signatures.

Jamey Cross covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter/X @jameybcross.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Leland residents oppose baseball stadium development