Baseball
New College's Baseball Stadium Project Faces Land Ownership Controversy
2025-01-17

A generous donation from developer Carlos Beruff has paved the way for New College of Florida to construct a baseball stadium near Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. However, concerns have emerged regarding the proposed location and land ownership. The project, named "Beruff Family Field of Dreams," is set to become a prominent landmark near the airport entrance. Yet, former airport official John Schussler has raised significant issues about the adequacy of the space allocated for the stadium, particularly its encroachment onto airport property. This controversy also highlights broader questions about long-term land use agreements and political influences on public institutions.

Concerns Over Stadium Dimensions and Land Use

The proposed baseball stadium faces challenges related to its dimensions and the suitability of the designated land. According to Schussler, who served as director of airport properties for over a decade, the area allocated by New College does not meet the required dimensions for a standard baseball field. Specifically, the outfield would extend beyond New College's property and onto airport-owned land. This discrepancy could lead to complications in the future when the lease agreement between the airport and New College expires in 2056.

Schussler elaborates that the outfield, especially left and center fields, do not fit within the boundaries of New College’s land. This issue arises from a long-standing lease agreement that grants New College use of approximately 30 acres of airport land until 2056. Once this lease ends, any part of the stadium built on airport land would revert to airport ownership, potentially rendering the baseball field unusable if the airport decides to reclaim its land for aviation purposes. Schussler believes this situation sets up a problematic scenario for both parties involved.

Potential Political and Regulatory Implications

Beyond the logistical concerns, there are underlying political and regulatory implications surrounding the project. Schussler argues that the collaboration between the airport authority and New College may not be in the best interest of the public. He suggests that the airport management is prioritizing short-term political interests over long-term planning. Additionally, the FAA has been notified about the potential encroachment, but no formal action has been taken yet.

Schussler points out that the airport's governing board, which includes members appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, approved a controversial land sale to New College last year without thorough consideration. This decision was later blocked by the FAA due to concerns about the sale price and the airport's future needs. Moreover, communications between airport CEO Rick Piccolo and New College President Richard Corcoran indicate that the stadium project is already in the design phase, despite being described as merely a concept. Schussler urges the FAA to intervene, emphasizing that the current plans could create dependency on airport land for the stadium’s entire operational life, extending beyond the lease expiration date.

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