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A seven-field sports complex land development plan for a facility holding baseball and softball games and tournaments received a positive recommendation Monday from the city planning commission.
The plan, submitted by Williamsport Baseball Inc., a land-holding entity created by the Williamsport/Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce, is a step closer to developing the 28-acre site for the sports complex, with City Council expected to take a vote on the matter. Land development plans must go before council for final approval or denial, said Gary Knarr, city zoning officer.
Jason Fink, CEO and president of the chamber, said because the area was a landfill the site has been bore tested numerous times and the plan is to meet the landscaping conditions as set by the state Department of Environmental Protection and build up with synthetic turf on the fields.
Of seven fields, six will have 220 foot to the fence, allowing for Little League and for softball play, Fink said.
A seventh field will have a 400 foot fence reach allowing Lycoming College and Pennsylvania College of Technology to play collegiate level sports.
Williamsport Baseball Inc. was recipient of a $2 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant and a Greenways Trails and Recreation grant to get the project funding rolling.
The state Department of Transportation is also getting involved in the project, as there is another access other than Rose Street that will need to be reviewed.
“Is Rose Street on the city objectives to do any work?” asked Chris Keiser of the commission. Knarr replied by saying the city streets and parks department and Jon Sander, city engineer, may look into that matter.
Fink also noted how the facility is geared toward sports tourism. A third-party, Eastern Sports Management from Virginia, will operate it and its potential for local and regional tournaments.
In 2018, a study was done by the chamber to determine the best and most suitable use for the site. Officials looked at soccer, lacrosse, baseball and softball, Fink said.
Harry Sechler, commission chairman, asked Fink about the nearby Elm Park facility and management. Fink said the sports complex may actually complement what the Elm Park management is doing. As will it with nearby fields in South Williamsport and Lock Haven, Fink said.
Lighting will be by Musco, a company that specializes in high-tech lighting, and makes it a point to ensure the lights are aimed down at the fields and not disturb neighborhoods or the drivers on Interstate 180.
Officials are working with PennDOT regarding signage and the access road other than Rose Street, Knarr said.
The vote was taken with Sechler, Chelsea Rawson, Keiser, Cynde Eister, William Rischar, Matthew Vanaskie, Nayo Brown and Tony Nardi approving. Charles Plankenhorn was absent.
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