Residents split at Colman-Egan public hearing over location, cost and surveying of athletic complex

The public hearing on the proposed Colman-Egan athletic complex drew speakers on both sides of the issue, with several residents calling for the project to be located at the existing outlying sports complex rather than adjacent to established neighborhoods.

Jim McGuire, who introduced himself during public comment, said he was neither for nor against the project but suggested placing the facility where growth is occurring. “If you're looking at growth, that's the place to go,” McGuire said, arguing that building near existing neighborhoods could disturb established residents. Several commenters also questioned the district’s survey distribution; McGuire said his household received only one survey and wondered why both candidate sites were not polled.

Teacher and local resident Sean Geigley spoke in favor of the complex, citing athlete safety and expanded practice access: “My daughter could have benefited from a track; being able to give access to those younger athletes I think is a great addition,” he said. By contrast, another resident warned the board about petitioning requirements and threatened a referendum, citing a 5% signature threshold based on registered voters. That speaker also asserted a packet figure of $4.5 million for the project and raised floodplain concerns for the parcel east of town.

Public commenters repeatedly asked for more detailed outreach and a formal vote on significant capital spending rather than relying on a brief survey. Several residents suggested fundraising or phasing instead of a full taxpayer-funded build.