In May, we learned that the Oakland A’s had narrowed their choices for a new baseball stadium down to three potential Oakland sites: The current site of the Oakland Coliseum in Central East Oakland, a waterfront park at the Port of Oakland’s Howard Terminal in West Oakland, and the Peralta Community College District near Laney College and Lake Merritt in Downtown Oakland. 

A couple weeks back, we found out that no matter which site they choose, the franchise is going to generate billions in revenue for the city and local businesses.

Now comes word from the East Bay Times that “momentum appears to be building” for the site near Laney College. That jibes with what Oakland Magazine reported back in May. 

The proposed 13-acre site sits on the northwest edge of the college at E. 8th Street and 5th Avenue. A channel connects the Oakland estuary to Lake Merritt, and a BART maintenance yard is located across the street. Interstate 880/Nimitz Freeway runs along the western edge, and a BART station is a nine-minute walk from the potential ballpark.

The neighborhood is known for its local businesses and diverse roots. While some are concerned what would happen if a baseball stadium suddenly moved into town, there also doesn’t appear to be too much of a fight coming given the potential benefits to nearby businesses and landlords. According to Census figures, most residents of the region are renters, so home values aren’t going to be a major battleground.

The A’s have said they will announce their decision sometime in 2017.