Sussex sports complex plans move forward

Sussex County Council will decide in early December on a request for a $1.5 million grant to support a proposed sports complex.

The grant is a key component toward the capital campaign for the $4.4 million, eight-field Sussex County Sports Complex in Georgetown just off Route 9 along Sand Hill Road.

In addition, the Sussex Sports Foundation is asking the county to explore taking over ownership of the complex after five years.

At the request of Councilman George Cole, R-Ocean View, county staff will also provide council with information on a zero-percent-interest loan option in lieu of a grant.

Cole said he does not want the county to get into the sports and recreation business. “I think we do better to support existing programs. We need to stay out of the operation. This way, we place a lien against the property, and let you do your thing,” he told foundation members attending a Nov. 14 council meeting.

Joe Schell, speaking on behalf of the foundation, said he was concerned that the foundation would not have enough revenue in the short term to pay the principal on the loan.

“I'm sure we can work out some terms,” Cole said, adding the county has provided economic development loans in the past.

Bobby Horsey, foundation vice president, said he did not support the loan proposal.

County attorney Everett Moore said repayment of money had not been discussed as part of the proposal from the foundation. He said a loan would require the county to develop a memorandum of understanding outlining the terms.

In any case, the foundation is moving forward to start construction of the complex early in 2018.

Cole said he was also concerned that the amount of the grant would create a demand for other large grants from organizations. “I think it would be less complicated to lend them the money,” he said. “I'm just throwing it out there.”

Schell said the county does not have to commit to taking over the operation of the complex in the near future. “Look at it after five years, and if you don't like it, don't buy into it,” he said.

Council President Mike Vincent, R-Seaford, suggested the matter be placed on an agenda in December. “We either move forward or not do it,” he said.

Construction to begin in early 2018

The foundation has kicked off the capital campaign with a $1.5 million contribution, and the land – totaling 57 acres – has been donated by Schell.

On top of the $1.5 million proposal to the county, the foundation is seeking $2.5 million in private donations and $1.5 million from the state and Georgetown.

Schell said the county has many amenities but is lacking in permanent sports fields. “A public athletic complex is needed, and this will be built to the finest specs you can have,” he said.

The complex will also include parking for 350 vehicles, eight pickleball courts and a 3-mile trail, which will be certified and can be used by high school cross country teams. The Bermuda grass fields will be available to soccer, lacrosse and field hockey teams and leagues.

The project received preliminary site plan approval in October from Georgetown officials. Horsey said plan approval should be completed by January with construction starting in February or March. The grass would be planted in June and July with construction concluding in late summer or fall 2018. Since the grass needs time to mature, play will not occur until spring 2019.

One thing missing from the proposed site plan of the complex is a restroom facility. Because of the cost of construction, organizers plan to provide portable toilets, at least for the first few years.

Councilman I. G. Burton, R-Lewes, said he was concerned that the complex would not have restrooms.

Schell said restrooms are not part of the first phase of the project. He said to build an adequate facility, the cost could be as high as $500,000.

A major supporter of the project is the Town of Georgetown. “We need to give groups a place to call home and play on a regular basis,” said Mayor Bill West.

He said the town is committed to providing free trash service, mowing along the front of the property along Sand Hill Road, and police protection and traffic control.

“Yes, this impacts Georgetown, but it also impacts the entire county. It’s a big show for the county,” West said.

Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson said the county had received 62 emails and letters, and petitions with 580 signatures in support of the project.

Intersection improvements proposed

Schell said DelDOT officials have applied for a $7.5 million federal grant to assist with improvements at the Route 9-Sand Hall Road intersection near the sports complex, which has become a pinch point in the area. He said officials will know in April whether or not the grant has been awarded.

Schell said the foundation is in the process of purchasing two properties near the intersection that will be donated to DelDOT for the project.

He said if the grant is awarded, construction at the intersection could get underway in 2020. He stressed that the intersection improvements are not part of the sports complex project.

Even so, councilmen expressed concern about the intersection. Councilman Rob Arlett, R-Frankford, said he was amazed at the extensive road improvements – including an overpass – taking place in the area of the DE Turf Sports Complex off Route 1 near Frederica in Kent County.

“The Delaware gods of roads moved to get that overpass built. All of sudden, that became a top priority. What could we do to get their [DelDOT] attention that this work is needed?” he asked.

Schell responded that DelDOT's grant submission is a step in that direction.

“What happens if there isn’t a grant?” Burton asked.

Schell said the foundation continues to work to get the project high on DelDOT's priority list.

“It has to be fixed, and the sooner the better. I think there will be more pressure to get to it in 2020 at the latest. We are doing everything we can with DelDOT,” Schell said.