Pocono News Section

Commissioners: No New Stadium Coming to Moosic

Commissioners: No New Stadium Coming to Moosic - Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 6:38PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Thursday, Jul 9, 2009 @ 06:38pm EST
MOOSIC, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - The drainage dilemma at PNC Field is causing many people to worry about the future of baseball in Lackawanna County. Many fans fear the situation could push the Yankees to consider leaving the area when their current contract runs out in 2010.

On Thursday, the top brass of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees say they are happy in Moosic right now.

A lot of the focus about the debate focuses on the question: where the Yankees promised a new stadium when they decided to relocate here? The answer depends on who you ask.

"We are not building a new stadium. We have partners in this venture and they know that," current majority commissioner Mike Washo said.

Former Lackawanna County Commissioner Bob Cordaro says plans to build the team a new stadium was a part of the original deal. Nothing was formally put in writing.

"The current crowd is willing to go back on promises for the new facility. They're not assisting them with real estate development plans. They're not going to allow them to control the destiny of their team, all the reasons they left Columbus, so yes, I'm greatly concerned," Cordaro said.

"The money was never there and there were never formal plans for a stadium," Washo replied.

Commissioner Washo calls the current drainage problems at PNC Field intolerable and disgraceful. He says if a new field is needed, that will happen. As for a new stadium, his critics say it could cost all of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

"That's their choice. I think it's a bad one. I think it's gonna have grave consequences for the area," Cordaro said.

"Your question was, would it be okay if the Yankees left? We are happy having the Yankees here. They're a great partner. We're not looking at that eventuality," Washo said.