Planning Commission recommends approval of Woodland Hill School District field conversion with tree‑planting conditions

The Planning Commission recommended that the Woodland Hill School District’s proposed conversion of a high‑school athletic field to a synthetic‑turf multi‑purpose facility be forwarded to Council with conditions for tree retention and additional plantings.

Jason Movc, an engineer with Young Associates and Engineers, told the commission the project would regrade and flatten a portion of the existing fields, install synthetic turf to improve playability and drainage, add throwing‑event areas nearby and provide limited ADA parking and sidewalks at the existing gravel lot. “The playability right now for drainage is very poor,” Movc said, describing the changes as necessary to make the field usable during the school year.

The project, as presented, would not add field lighting and would be used primarily for daytime practices and events. Movc said the team has submitted stormwater plans and has undergone multiple rounds of review with the county conservation district; he said the applicant expects to receive the necessary stormwater/NPDS permit shortly and that the plan retains the existing discharge point while adding underground storage and controls.

Commissioners raised concerns about the removal of mature trees on the Greensburg Pike hillside and the potential impacts to root systems and stormwater runoff. A planning commissioner urged keeping existing trees “to the extent practical” and asked that the applicant add evergreen screening where trees must be removed. The applicant’s representative said the demolition plan will be clarified to show which trees remain, which will be removed and what replacement planting will occur; he said the team expects to replant several trees and can coordinate with local tree‑planting partners.

The commission framed its recommendation as conditional. A commissioner moved to recommend approval contingent on compliance with the Gateway review letter dated Nov. 6, 2024; maintaining existing trees along Greensburg Pike to the extent practical; and replacing any removed trees with an equivalent number of evergreen plantings. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote with all members present in favor.

Timing and next steps remain dependent on third‑party permits. Staff and the applicant discussed whether limited non‑earth‑disturbing demo work (for example, removing turf and temporary fences) could proceed in parallel while final permits are obtained; the applicant said some preliminary demo could be possible, but full earth‑disturbing work will require permits such as NPDS.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Town Council for final action. The gateway review condition and the tree‑retention/replacement requirements are written into the commission’s motion and will be part of the materials Council reviews.