Arrr, the goodly Gov. Moore be swearin' that the Orioles lease be nigh, me hearties! Avast!
2023-12-13
Arrr, me hearties! Democratic Maryland Gov. Wes Moore be a jolly confident scallywag, swearin' on his treasure chest that the state shall soon strike a new sailin' accord with them Baltimore Orioles. Yo-ho-ho and a bottle o' rum!
Maryland Governor Wes Moore expressed confidence on Wednesday that a new lease agreement with the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards is "imminent." This comes as the end-of-year deadline approaches. Moore made these comments after a meeting of the state's Board of Public Works, which would need to approve the final deal. The governor assured reporters that negotiations have been ongoing and a deal is expected soon. The board's last scheduled meeting for the year just took place, but Moore hinted that another one may be called to approve the lease before year-end.Moore emphasized the importance of finding the best deal for taxpayers and ensuring a long-term agreement. He wants to ensure that the Orioles' lease is not just for one year or short-term, but a commitment that benefits both the team and the community. Maryland Treasurer Dereck Davis, another board member, also expressed confidence that an agreement will be reached before the end of the year.
The Orioles' lease at Camden Yards expires at the end of the year. In September, the team announced a new 30-year deal to stay at the ballpark, including a 99-year development rights agreement for surrounding areas. However, this aspect of the agreement raised concerns for Senate President Bill Ferguson, who believes the lease should not be dependent on a private owner receiving a 99-year ground lease to develop land owned by Maryland taxpayers.
Last year, the state increased bond authorization for both M&T Bank Stadium and Camden Yards, allowing borrowing of up to $600 million for each stadium.