Commission approves revised Susan Street Park plan, shifts main entrance to Williams Street

At its March 10 meeting the Leesburg City Commission voted to approve a revised plan for the Susan Street Park sports complex that routes the main entrance off Williams Street (Penn/Williams intersection) rather than from U.S. 27, after negotiations with adjacent property owners failed to secure access from the highway.

Supporters described the project as a multi-use youth and sports tourism complex and stressed available outside funding. Staff showed three options: the original tourism-oriented plan with championship turf and larger fields (about $10.5 million total, with approximately $3.5 million in city funds), a reduced $5 million version focused on rectangular football/soccer fields, and not building at all. "So it's about a $300,000 savings, going to that to that William Street entrance," staff member Travis said when presenting the revised entrance option.

Why it matters: commissioners and members of the public framed the project as an investment in youth recreation and possible sports tourism revenue. Public commenters, including Chuck Johnson and Roger Croft, urged the commission to build the larger complex now rather than a reduced version. Staff and the city manager said the revised Williams entrance keeps the original layout intact and preserves the option to re-open negotiations for a U.S. 27 entry later.

Commission discussion focused on access, neighborhood impacts, cost and phased build alternatives. Commissioners noted the project has multiple outside funding sources identified in staff materials (state legislative grant, county TDC, CRA funds and federal funds) and that the city’s share is roughly one-third of the total. After debate the commission moved and seconded the revised plan to proceed with the Williams Street entrance; the motion passed by recorded roll call. City Manager Al said he would instruct staff to issue a notice to proceed to the contractor and report back to the commission.

Supporters argued the larger project could attract tournaments and long-term economic benefits, while skeptics questioned the price and neighborhood routing for event traffic. Staff emphasized the revised entrance does not require redesign of the fields or major plan changes and preserves the option to reconfigure access if property owners along U.S. 27 later agree to an easement.

The commission directed staff to proceed under the revised plan and to return with any necessary contract or budget updates if costs exceed the city manager’s spending authority.