Brentwood debate intensifies over proposed indoor racket facility; commissioners split on referendum

Brentwood city commissioners heard more than an hour of public comment and extended debate on Monday about a proposed indoor racket facility — a project supporters say can be self-funded and critics say would reroute public dollars away from infrastructure.

The discussion centered on three questions: how much the project will cost (estimates ranged from $13 million to $18 million or more), whether a formal public referendum is appropriate, and what traffic and safety changes would be required at Crockett Park if the facility moves forward.

The issue drew residents and organized advocates to the meeting. “It’s an $18,000,000 investment for a special interest group, at an expense to the greater tax paying population,” said Richard Camio, a 22‑year Brentwood resident who spoke during public comment. Several other residents asked for a public hearing and for a citywide vote.

Gary Latimer, chair of the indoor racket facility ad hoc committee, defended the project’s finances, saying the facility component alone is estimated at $13 million and that the facility would be “self funded” and generate revenue and reserves for…