But the timing of Blatstein's purchase raised questions among city officials and outside experts. Street denied that any dealing has been going on behind the scenes. Look, that property has been for sale for a long time. He added that it's been common knowledge that the city had been eyeing the lot as a potential stadium site. This is America.
People can go out and buy what they want to buy.
Alan Sanderson, an economist and stadium finance expert at the University of Chicago, said the secrecy surrounding the stadium deal nevertheless raises red flags. Blatstein denied that he had any inside information as a result of his stint on Street's stadium transition committee. He pointed out that the committee ultimately recommended 12th and Vine for the Phillies ballpark - not South Philadelphia. Blatstein added that he develops land throughout the city, including plans for a commercial development at the Schmidt's Brewery site, which was also mentioned as a possible ballpark location. The Acme site was for sale for months before he purchased it, he said.