Once again, possible construction of a sports complex in Lexington was debated at city hall. For the first time since last Spring, city council members met in person to discuss what to include in the next annual budget.
One budget subcommittee recommended $40 million go toward development of a sports facility. Council Member Jennifer Reynolds supports such an appropriation. “It is something that we’re putting money towards but is going to have a huge payoff in the end. Think about all the businesses that would be affected by this. All the revenue that would come into our city, ongoing because it would be travel but also used by local residents,” said Reynolds.
Although not taken up Tuesday formally, city leaders are expecting a little more than $60 million dollars in federal American Rescue Plan Act money. A similar effort to see a sports complex built in Lexington a few years ago didn’t pan out. Council Member Kathy Plomin wasn’t ready to commit to it now. “There are folks that would jump up and down for a sports complex, but there are folks that are really passionate about other things. So, we owe it the time and consideration and other options that would could tap into this money, which is very important to do in a timely manner. But, we need to step back and take just a broader look,” explained Plomin.
Council Member David Kloiber said a 2015 study showed a $400 million impact over 20 years for the region. He said the plan would be to look for a private partner. The Council acted to put such a proposal on hold until it takes up discussion of how to spend the entire federal package.
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