The developers of the city's new minor league baseball park will not meet Tuesday's deadline to deliver a substantially complete stadium, and the planned opening day of May 31 for the Hartford Yard Goats likely won't happen, according to the chairman of the Hartford Stadium Authority.
"All evidence suggests that the stadium will not reach substantial completion by 11:59 pm," said I. Charles Mathews, the authority's chairman. "So we have to certainly weigh our options."
Mathews said that you don't have to be a construction person to walk by Dunkin' Donuts Park and know it isn't complete.
"My best read as chairperson, based on the evidence that I have, suggests that the team will not be playing baseball on May 31. The stadium will not be completed by that date," he said. "Which, again, as I said earlier, means that both the Hartford Stadium Authority and the administration, through the office of the mayor, will have to spend the next 24 to 48 hours and weigh our options."
Immediate efforts to reach the city, the developer, and team were unsuccessful. Missing today's date could trigger a series of events in order to recoup money from the project, the developers at Middletown-based Centerplan Companies, and their insurers.
Also, if the team doesn't play ball by May 31, the Yard Goats can withhold $2 million from the stadium project that it pushed from the outset. The more than $60 million stadium is now millions over budget and late by a few dozen baseball games.
Mathews said the legalities will all work themselves out over time. The bigger question is this: Will there even be baseball in 2016?
"My goal is to come up with a strategy and a plan that will allow us to play baseball this year," Mathews said. "So, whatever plan we come up with, whatever option we exercise, I think the stadium authority members are trying desperately to make sure that, this year, we play baseball."
Mayor Luke Bronin commented late Tuesday.
"The developer has not met today’s deadline for substantial completion, and it's clear that they will not be done by the 24th, which was the grace period built in," Bronin said in a stament. "We will be working with all of the parties involved and assessing our options. We want to get the stadium open as quickly as possible, but we also need to hold our partners accountable and protect the city’s interests.”
And, here's a statement from developer Jason Rudnick.
The progress of the ballpark has been remarkable thanks to over 450 dedicated men and women on site each day working around-the-clock. As work nears completion some issues have arisen that have required changes to our construction schedule. We are in active discussions with the City regarding the same and continue to work with all parties involved, including the design team and City Inspectors, to ensure the venue is ready for everyone to enjoy. We understand many are anxious for baseball to begin – and we are equally excited to deliver a ballpark that everyone can be proud of.
Listen below for excerpts of our interview with Mathews.
