10/18 Mesa ready to go

Groundbreaking is expected next spring or summer for the Cubs’ new Spring Training facility, which received a vote of approval Monday night. The Mesa city council voted 6-0 to approve the package to allow it and the Cubs to design and build the $99 million Spring Training complex. Mesa now has a 30-year deal in place to build the stadium and manage it with the Cubs, who have called the city its Spring Training home since 1979. The city also can sell parcels to the team for the so-called “Wrigleyville West” entertainment complex.

Mesa officials and the Cubs have been negotiating terms since voters approved the deal last November by a 2-1 margin. Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said the Cubs will pay any expenses exceeding $84 million for the stadium and $15 million for related projects. Scottsdale-based Hunt Construction Group was named the contractor, and was awarded $380,000 for the design phase of the project. It will seek competitive bids on the subcontract jobs.

Mesa officials expect the complex to be finished in time for Spring Training 2014. The new facility will be located at the southeast corner of the Loop 101 and Loop 202 in west Mesa and replace the Riverview Golf Course.

– Carrie Muskat