As plans for the new, taxpayer-funded stadium in South Broad continue moving forward, community groups are working hard and fast to get Hardball Capital — the Lookouts owner and intended stadium lessee — to sign Chattanooga’s first-ever community benefits agreement.
The legal contract could help guarantee local hiring, diverse contracting, higher wages and sustainable development related to construction of the recently approved stadium, although the specific goals of the agreement have yet to be finalized by the growing community coalition, which began forming Monday night at a meeting in the City Council chambers, with more than 50 residents and group representatives.
Chattanoogans in Action for Love, Equality and Benevolence, or CALEB, is spearheading efforts to organize neighborhood groups, churches and residents affected by the planned development. Organizers have two weeks to solidify a community coalition that can enter into a legal contract and negotiate commitments from Hardball Capital, which has previously expressed willingness at a public meeting to discuss a deal.
(READ MORE: New Chattanooga Lookouts stadium proposed in South Broad District)
Repeated calls to Hardball Capital CEO Jason Freier were not returned. The city’s newly created Sports Authority will meet early next month to secure the lease agreement with Hardball Capital that will play a significant role in the stadium bond repayment.