Depew holds public hearing on proposed West Dawson soccer field; residents raise parking and maintenance questions

The Village of Depew opened a public hearing Monday on a proposal to convert a vacant parcel adjacent to historic Dawson Field into a youth soccer field, with a possible parking lot to follow.

The parcel, described at the hearing as approximately 3.47 acres and located near Columbia Avenue and the West Dawson playground, was offered to the village by the interim superintendent of the Depew school district for a nominal fee, officials said. Village officials said the recreation department would maintain the field if the village acquires it.

Why it matters: the project would return a vacant lot to active recreational use for youth sports and affect local parking patterns and green space. Residents at the hearing asked about how the site would be used, when work would start, how many parking spaces would be provided and how the village would pay for any lot construction.

Resident questions and officials’ answers

Peter Sterchak, 17 Columbia Avenue, said he and his wife received the mailed notice and wanted more information about why the site was chosen and the intended use. Sterchak said he personally preferred the lot remain “green space” rather than developed. Interim Superintendent Raby (Depew School District) told the board he was prepared to draft paperwork to transfer the property once the village completes its process.

Paul Sprata, 58 Argus, asked whether the field would be natural grass or artificial turf. Mayor Kevin J. Peterson responded that the village does not have funds for turf and that the field would be real grass; the recreation department has new mowing equipment the mayor said could maintain a grass field.

Officials said the field is intended primarily for youth teams, with the board noting 13-and-under play was anticipated. The parking-lot element of the plan may not be built immediately; officials said the lot could hold an estimated 40–50 cars and that construction of a lot might cost in the range of roughly $80,000–$100,000 depending on curbwork and other site work. The village said it may pursue the lot in a later budget year if funding is not available immediately.

Other local concerns raised included short notice for the hearing: Sterchak said the mailed notice arrived Friday and residents would appreciate earlier notification for future items. Residents also asked whether additional portable toilets would be provided for events; village officials said that detail had not been finalized.

Timing and next steps

Officials said the transfer paperwork can begin once the board completes its consideration and the school district finalizes terms. The recreation department indicated it could install goals and begin using the space as early as this summer if the village secures the site and minimal initial improvements; a full parking lot, if funded, could follow in a later year.

The hearing opened at about 7:10 p.m. and closed at 7:21 p.m.; no vote to acquire the parcel was taken at the March 10 meeting.

Ending

Board members directed staff to continue work on the acquisition paperwork and to include parking-lot costs in upcoming budget materials. No formal action to purchase or develop the lot was approved on March 10.