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| Construction was scheduled to begin on Thanksgiviung |
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Artificial turf fields have been controversial in the city, and when the Common Council approved language for a referendum on a $30M bond for city parks, it stipulated that none of the money could be used for turf fields.
Thus, the City's Public Works Department was surprised to learn, quite accidentally, that Middletown Youth Soccer not only had plans for an artificial turf field on the City owned soccer fields on Country Club Road, it had already arranged private financing for the approximately $750,000 cost of the installation and was about to break ground.
Just before digging, the contractor hired by the soccer group, Gallitto Excavation, phoned into the "Call Before You Dig" hotline, to ensure that it would not encounter any water or electrical lines. That inquiry (see image), which said digging would commence on the morning of Thanksgiving, was passed along to the Public Works Department.
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| CYBD report, modified for space and privacy |
The 2011 lease indicates that Middletown Youth Soccer would pay rent of $1 per year, and cover the cost of the following improvements (complete list):
- Install lighting on soccer fields
- Fencing all around four fields
- Parking lot paving
- Concession Stand
- Construction of Restroom Facilities
- Installation of a Scoreboard
- Installation of Bleachers
The Public Works Department asked for a review of the turf field plans by the Legal Department.
The General Counsel for the City, Brig Smith, determined that Middletown Youth Soccer is permitted to install turf on the fields. In a memo to the mayor, and members of Common Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission, Smith wrote, "After thorough review, the city advised that the installation was permitted, provided that MYS surrender[ed] the premises at the end of the lease term in the same condition as when the [original] construction period ended, allowing for reasonable wear and tear and damage by acts of God."
Smith went on, "The city made clear that the installation would have to be at MYS's sole expense and that the field turf would have to be removed at the end of the lease term. The natural grass fields would also have to be restored, again at MYS's sole expense."
Middletown Youth Soccer would be required to post a $500,000 bond, to ensure the city that this restoration could be completed.
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Disclosure: Devoto is a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and was a coach in Middletown Youth Soccer for 3 years.
Has anyone asked how the turf installation (and expense) will impact the timing of the improvements that ARE in the lease? The parking lot is not yet paved, nor have restroom/concessions facilities been added.
ReplyDeleteThis may be part of a brader construction plan, but wouldn't a normal lessor insist that the required improvements be done first before permitting additional work?
Installation of synturf on city owned fields makes me so sad when there was a clear citizen vote not to allow this. Mr. DeVoto has correctly pointed out that this synturf was not included in the lease terms and Atty Smith is incorrect in his interpretation of the lease.
ReplyDeleteThis is no different than if City policy did not allow smoking on City properties (which is true) and a lessee did allow it. The City Attorney would interpret the smoking to be against City policy and not allowed.
By the way, isn't this the same group that didn't finish the soccer fields on Long Hill Rd? How confident are we that they have the money for the stated improvements, as well as long term maintenance as well as long term bonding for restoration when the lease ends?
Not to mention all those out of town players using the city owned facility. Ask for their rosters. How many Middletown kids are they actually servicing?
ReplyDeleteI agree that it seems like the city should be asking why they are installing turf fields when hardly any of the agreed upon improvements have been made. No paved lot, No bathrooms or concessions, or bleachers, not completely fenced in. It seems the only improvement they made was the lights. How long is the lease term?
ReplyDeleteI need a permit to build a deck in my own backyard. How is it legal for a public park to be dug up and resurfaced without getting permission from the City.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why we are giving free rein on property that belongs to the public, to be used for purposes our community does not agree with. The evidence at the time of the hearings showed clearly that turf fields are more expensive, worse for players' health, and worse for the game, not to mention hazardous to the environment. Our leaders should be protecting our resources from these uses.
ReplyDeleteThe City Attorney for Middletown referenced the contract the city has with the soccer league. He said the league will pay the town back for all costs for upkeep of the fields there. How much have they paid the city over the years these fields have been in use? If they have not paid, the city should not allow any work they want done.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone really believe the city didn't know about this when the referendum passed? Shhh. No one will notice.
ReplyDeleteIn 2011, at the request of Middletown Youth Soccer, the city appropriated $355,000 to complete the unfinished construction of soccer fields on Long Hill Road:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/Middletown-agrees-to-take-over-youth-soccer-fields-11875977.php
This article cites the "financial strain" on MYS as the reason it could not complete construction without the city's help. But now we learn that the club has found financing in the amount of $750,000 to install artificial turf on the Country Club Road fields. In addition, the club will presumably also be able to post a bond of $500,000 if it is to proceed with the construction.
MYS seems to have a lot of wherewithal these days. Maybe the city should ask for its $355,000 back.
Awesome �� excited. Kids will thrive with this. To USA development. Very sad that the town isn't paying some of this. BTW a ton of kids are from Middletown and if you want them to stay here then it's needed. Don't you want to Support local clubs.
ReplyDeleteSeems some responding are hypocritical - ok lease Green St to SVDP for $1, Oddfellows building lease $1, 25 year Canoe ClubClease very vcheap, but not ok lease soccer fields for $1?? . BTW our lovely Mayor Drew & Councillor Gerry Daley wanted to give the multi million dollar building away for $1, thankfully deal stopped and it's now a lease.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I get the sneaking suspicion that the "City" will be responsible for all of the financial burden of fulfilling all of the other requirements on this so-called lease? Can't have a working field without bathrooms, bleachers, parking lot, etc. Yet, MYS has $750K to install an artificial turf field that no one wanted and wasn't part of the lease. This stinks to high Heaven!
ReplyDeleteThe city should pay for some . Mys is one of biggest draws of Middletown. It doesn't make any sense that money is allocated for other turf fields or buildings, parks,projects that people barely use but yet if we had legit facilities, middletown would be put on the map . It's clear that any negativity here stems from people going against whats good for the town and the kids needs . Having simple tournaments draws out of towners here which many will frequent Middletown s downtown and how is that not good for businees.
ReplyDeleteWhere's ECOIN??? They said they were going to volunteer and maintain current fields organically? Never happened. Good for MYS!
ReplyDeleteIf you think MYS is one of the biggest draws to Middletown, you really need to get out more. And I'd bet very few out of town players familys find their way downtown from country club road.
ReplyDeleteOpen space should have been left open space for the use of everyone. Soccer fields especially with artificial turf goes against that keep there land the same. Artificial turf causes drainage problems and isn't in the spirit of open space.
ReplyDeleteLong Hill fields filled in wetlands. Go by them all the time. Seldom used.
ReplyDeleteWe, as a city, decided a few years ago to protect the health of our children and the environment and ONLY use our bonding $ for natural nontoxic grass fields. Why should this field be any different. We protect some children and not others? Playing on artificial turf has become very controversial because of potential heat injuries, the toxity of various infill, infections from inadequate field cleaning and contaminated soil and ground water.
ReplyDeleteWe also passed an ordinance that doesn't allow pesticides/herbicides to be sprayed on our fields and parks etc. They are toxic to people (especially to our children) and pets and also toxic to the soil and waterways. Artificial turf often requires the use of disinfectants, and herbicides and fungicides.
And I would also look back to an earlier comment that mentioned that Middletown Youth Soccer got a bail out of $355,000 in 2011 by the city for a different field. I'm not sure if I loaned someone money and they didn't pay me back, I would jump at the chance for them to take me to cleaners again, AND for something that Middletown should not be spending $ on in the first place. Really? None of this sounds right!
Read more about artificial turf issues here:
http://www.ehhi.org/artificial-turf.php
Excellent �� . Thousands have been awaiting for this success. Wish we had years ago. Will make mys much much stronger in long run.
ReplyDeleteSoccer is the future of youth sports many parents are becoming fearful of their kids playing football. Athletic kids will still want to play sports these fields are a worthwile investment for the future, and Middletown can reap the reawards in years to come, if these fields are properly maintained.
ReplyDelete