Residents press commission on lost tennis courts; staff cites FEMA flood rules and maintenance issues

Several residents raised concerns about the long‑closed tennis courts and asked when they would be replaced. One resident traced their decline to lack of maintenance, saying the courts were hard surface and had served players for decades and that poor maintenance — not the floodplain — was the primary problem. "If you don't maintain something, that's what happens to them," one longtime player said, noting the courts had not been resurfaced for about 15 years. Staff response: City staff explained the primary complication is FEMA funding rules: rebuilding courts in the same flood‑prone location may make the city ineligible for FEMA reimbursement. Staff said the city is evaluating alternative sites, including green space and downtown corridor locations, and noted that raising the site would be required to meet floodplain recovery criteria. Nut graf: The meeting did not produce a schedule or appropriation for new courts; staff said the city will continue to explore sites and funding options, including relocating courts to areas outside FEMA flood constraints or creating courts on city‑owned green space. What residents want: Speakers urged replacement courts be located where they are accessible to residents and hotels and noted courts historically supported local tennis programs and helped launch players into collegiate and professional ranks. Next steps: Staff will continue evaluating alternative locations and funding sources and will report back; there was no formal vote or appropriation at the meeting.