Press Clippings

September 22, 2004 - Berkshire Eagle Editorial: Wahconah Park shell game

It is not surprising to learn the renovations at Wahconah Park for 2005 will be scaled back, from $1.5 million worth of work to around $400,000. City Hall and the private partnership, Wahconah Park Incorporated, fixing up the park, share the blame for not knowing, or ignoring, the fact that the state's competitive bidding laws applied to their work on city property. The assertion by Jim Bouton and Chip Elitzer that the ruling requires a revised licensing agreement with the city is arguable and suggests some wavering on their part. The city should also be worried that the pair are looking again at the Northeast League, which has not indicated much interest in affiliating with them, now that the alleged Atlantic League short-season league is in doubt. The not insignificant matter of finding a team to play in Wahconah Park has long plagued Mr. Bouton and Mr. Elitzer, and continues to.