De La Fuente says, "Build at the Estuary"

Glenn Dickey reports that Oakland City Council president Ignacio De La Fuente has proposed the Estuary site to Lewis Wolff as the place to build a ballpark now that the Coliseum is not being heavily considered. The Estuary has been profiled in depth over the past few months. Check out the following links for more information:

• Ballpark concepts continued... - contains quotes from the lead developer at the Estuary
• A sample Estuary development plan - includes an overhead photo and an assessment of the site with pros and cons
• Photo Overview (PDF, requires Acrobat Reader) - for those interested in what the site currently looks like
  
• Signature Properties corporate website
• The Port of Oakland's Estuary Plan (PDF) - keep in mind, it hasn't been revised in years
  

I would encourage anyone who may be nearby or passing through Oakland and has time to do so to head out to the Estuary and walk around for a bit. It might stimulate your imagination. The Estuary site, also known as "Oak-to-Ninth", can be reached directly from I-880.

Directions from:

• I-880 South, take the Embarcadero exit, make a right on the Embarcadero, which is at this point a frontage road. Drive back towards Jack London Square 1/2 mile, and it's on your left.
  
• I-880 North, take the 5th Ave/Embarcadero exit, which will wind underneath the freeway, intersecting with the Embarcadero. Parking should be available on the other side of the street.
• Downtown Oakland, take Oak St south (towards Jack London Square) and past I-880. Oak will end and merge with the Embarcadero (left or East). Proceed along the Embarcadero past the Aquatic Center for 1/2 mile. The site will be on your right.
  

If these directions are confusing, I apologize. Look up the address "1000 Embarcadero" or "1000 Embarcadero E" in Mapquest, Google maps, or your favorite address finder.