Here is a brief update on the status of our light proposal.
As you know, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved our proposal in January; however, errors in the distribution of the public notices will require the Commission to revisit their decision at a future meeting.
To prepare for the future hearing, the City has directed us to prepare an environmental report to assess the impact of our light project on the park and neighborhood. The first step in this process - a study on the potential impact to birds in the pond - will proceed shortly. Once this is complete, City planning staff will complete the other elements required for the environmental review. This will take 6-8 weeks at least. Once complete, public comment will be taken and we will need to make our support known again. After all of this is complete, another public hearing will be scheduled where the Parks Commission will take up our proposal again.
There has been one interesting and unexpected development. Parks staff has identified a possible site to construct several new soccer fields that could be lit and located far away from houses. Councilwoman Schipske has indicated that she supports this proposal because it would answer complaints from some of the neighbors who live across from El Dorado have about our current proposal.
There are many details to work out - cost, access, timing, etc. - but if the new proposal moves forward, it could result in 2-3 lit fields for our region.
Either way, it will be several weeks before we have a clear idea of our next steps. But we are still working toward creating a brighter future for AYSO 177.
Mark Taylor - AYSO Regional Board Member
