MESA, Ariz. -- The next big step towards securing the A's a new ballpark in Oakland was taken on Friday with the release of the city's draft environmental impact report.

The release of the document was expected in 2020, but the process was delayed due to pandemic-related issues. The report provides an analysis of plans for the A's proposed new 34,000 seat stadium at Howard Terminal near Jack London Square. The project also includes plans to build 3,000 homes, as well as 18 acres of new parks and open spaces all around the area.

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"The Athletics are the last professional sports team in Oakland," A's president Dave Kaval said in a news release. "We employ thousands of Oakland and Alameda County residents, and local businesses, the city, and county derive significant economic benefits and revenue from our games. While the release of the Draft EIR is a great milestone, it is imperative that the city council take a vote on the project this year. We look to the city for their support and partnership to keep the A's in Oakland for generations to come."

The A's are taking what they describe as a "transit-first approach" to the proposed ballpark. With a focus on expanding methods of public transportation and adding pedestrian bridges and walkways in the vicinity, the club hopes to cut down car trips to the stadium by 20 percent.

Friday's development continues what has been a recent stretch of positive momentum on the A's ballpark front. Earlier this month, the Alameda County Superior Court dismissed a lawsuit filed against the A's by a coalition of shipping, trucking and steel companies in January that claimed the club had not met the criteria to be certified for an expedited environmental review that was listed under California's AB 734 law.

With a 45-day period for public comment on the environmental impact report next, the A's are also working to reach an agreement for the project with the city of Oakland. The club hopes to get the development to a vote with City Council and the Port of Oakland later this year, where an approval could give the A's the green light to begin construction for a possible 2024 opening.