ST. LOUIS (KMOX) — The on-again, off-again Ballpark Village is closer than ever to reality — as the Cardinals received approval today from the Missouri Development Finance Board for the state’s share of $17 million in tax incentives for the project.

“They’re free to be skeptical for another couple months,” said Cards President Bill DeWitt III of critics who have wondered if the project is a mirage, “You can’t be skeptical if we’re out there with shovels.”

A ground breaking is planned for November.

The usually low-key DeWitt was upbeat and said he planned to celebrate the good news at tonight’s game with a toast.

Cards President Bill DeWitt III and Chase Martin of Cordish Companies celebrate good news on Ballpark Village

City and Cardinals leaders pitched this latest Ballpark Village project to the Board last month.   The MDFB voted 11-1 today in favor of the tax boost.

A Cardinals Hall of Fame, brew pub, and shops are all parts of the Village’s first phase.

When asked what it feels like to get the Ballpark Village delays off his back and finally see it happen, DeWitt says it will be good. 

“It’s been a challenge,” Dewitt said. “I’ve never had anything in my career where it’s taken that long and I had so much invested emotionally and time wise.”

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