PUBLIC SQUARE: Baseball season is in full swing—but not in Richmond

RELATED: PRO and CON: Where will Richmond Play Ball?

The Diamond is quiet. Some would like to see it revived as home to a minor league team. The city is reviewing a plan to build a ballpark in Shockoe Bottom as part of larger project that would include hotels, offices, restaurants, and living space. Its supporters believe tax revenue from the development can pay for the new stadium. Critics are skeptical.

A local group led by Bryan Bostic is close to buying a AA team in the Eastern League and moving it to Richmond. The group wants the team ultimately to play in the Bottom.

The Braves left Richmond—at least in part—because the region couldn’t put together a plan to keep them here.

If baseball is going to return to the Richmond area, the region will have to unite behind a plan. The proposal to build in the Bottom is the leading contender. But is Shockoe Bottom the best place to build a ballpark?

The Times-Dispatch will address that issue at its 24th Public Square at 7 p.m. on May 12, at the paper’s downtown offices at 300 East Franklin Street.

It’s time to move the debate forward.