The Lubbock City Council voted unanimously to approve an amended agreement with the College Baseball Hall of Fame to continue planning its new Lubbock location.
The council agreed Thursday to extend the funding deadline to May 1, 2017, giving the board an additional 120 days to come up with funding and updated design plans.
In a Thursday afternoon work session, two representatives from the board requested an extension from the council.
Mark Gustafson, President and CEO of the National College Baseball Hall of Fame, spoke alongside board member Randy Robbins. The pair explained that the project could move forward immediately, with concessions to the original plan.
After a discussion with the council, both sides agreed that the Hall of Fame board would fundraise the remaining money needed, and ditch a major component of the original plan: a baseball field.
Councilmember Latrelle Joy emphasized the importance of parking as a priority, stating that the board would be required to come up with a parking agreement with the city as well.
Councilmember Karen Gibson said it was a “good compromise” to take the field out, after about six years of going back and forth during planning.
Cutting the field was something the board was not initially inclined to do, but willing to concede if it meant getting the project approved.
Councilmember Steve Massengale voiced his support for the Hall of Fame board, and its willingness to make changes to the project plans.
