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12/12/2006
Our community has a decision to make
The stated purpose of yesterday’s “public hearing” about a possible Appleton West Sports Complex was to “gather facts … relative to the land use issues of the…concept plan.” The concept plan was defined as an “informal review of a plan for development that carries no vesting rights or obligations on any party.”
The Plan Commission Agenda went on to say: “When Plan Commission is satisfied that the applicable land use issues have been recognized, identified, and addressed, then a recommendation may be made to the Common Council.”
Well… the Plan Commission passed the “Concept Plan” (two drawings) with only one dissenting vote (Alderperson Jeff Jirschele) and it’s going to the Appleton Common Council Wednesday night.
Unbelievable. The Plan Commission, with very little discussion after hearing almost four hours worth of comments, made an “informed land use recommendation” to the Common Council. Informed? Informed by what?
(You had to be signed up BEFOREHAND to even speak at the “public hearing.” There was no possibility of a member of the audience addressing a question to city or school district staff. And no questions were asked when the discussion finally was taken up by Commission members. Unbelievable.)
It’s important to point out that MANY dedicated and loyal West high school alums, parents, students and faculty believe very strongly in the wisdom of building a new football stadium/ sports complex on-site. Of course, on the other side, a few homeowners are still not willing to give up their homes.
Ok. Here’s what else I heard at the “Public Hearing:”
- The track and tennis courts are in great disrepair and are dangerous. They can be used for practice, but not for competition. West students are embarrassed by the condition of the facilities.
- The football field is too torn up to play on. West students are embarrassed by the condition of the facilities.
- North and East have great athletic facilities and West feels cheated and embarrassed by the condition of their facilities.
- The athletic facilities are needed because of the importance of controlling obesity and Type II Diabetes (this was said by a faculty member whose physique belied his credibility).
And then a few comments were presented about the importance of maintaining the affordable housing that surrounds the West footprint and about the loss of tax base. Then one comment in particular was moving to me.
This parent felt that grandiose facilities are fine, but that it’s more important for parents, administrators and teachers to instill a sense of value in our young people. She shared with us her belief that a sense of worth is not dependent on “material showiness.”
Baseball anyone?
I heard complaints about a lot of things. But you know one thing I didn’t hear a peep about? - baseball games played at Nienhaus Field – an absolute gem of a facility that is about a mile or so from the high school. Imagine that.
Track and Tennis
As FoxPolitics stated earlier, complaints about tennis and track must be considered completely separately (and those were by far the majority of the athletic-type complaints); the school district has stated that those existing facilities can be rehabbed – completely separate from a Sports Complex Plan - for an investment of about $500,000.
Ok – Football
Serious questions remain…. And no opportunity was provided for asking them.
What alternatives exist for a quality, home football venue for West, which may not be right next door?
What would be the on-street parking, pedestrian and bicycle traffic impact of a new 4-acre sports complex?
Is the school district ready and willing to use the powers of Eminent Domain?
What does it look like when you weigh the loss of affordable housing and tax base with the impact of a major sports complex?
What fundraising hoops will the school district require before asking the city to rezone?
Very important stuff. This is going to require some leadership around here…….
COMMENTS
Has anyone considered Wilson Middle School as a possible site for a West High stadium and football field?
Ron Tank (Wed Dec 13 10:29:30 2006)
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