Plans for New Stadium Drive Facilities Moving Forward

has decided to move forward with plans to build a , but not everyone is happy.

Frank Fantozzi and a number of other residents have been . They don’t want the space on Stadium Drive being used for Service Department facilities—they’d rather see it used for parkland or recreation.

The city has listened to their concerns, but still thinks the spot will be best used by those kinds of buildings. In fact, Mayor Jerry N. Hruby said, the changes will improve the neighborhood. The site is currently being used for the same purpose, but the new buildings will be more aesthetically pleasing. Hruby told council that he felt better about the residents’ concerns after last week’s Planning Commission meeting. Most of the concerns had either been addressed in the past or were discussed at the meeting, he said.

The concerned residents have turned in a petition with more than 100 signatures in opposition of the plan. The petition says that buildings are against current zoning in the city and that it’s not the best use for the land.

Hruby told council that the city’s law director approved the zoning before any planning began.

The planning commission recommended that council approve the concept of the plan; the commission will discuss different portions of the plan, such as the individual buildings and amenities like sidewalks, as the project moves forward. The city plans to build the this year and will soon go out to bid, now that council has approved the plan. Council took that vote during their .

What do you think about this plan? Take our poll below and tell us why in the comments.