Proponents of a new soccer complex in Lexington continue to make their case before planning officials. The matter came before an Urban County Government zoning subcommittee Thursday.
The full Planning Commission is expected to consider requests to build a soccer stadium nearby and lights for the recreational fields at the end of this month. Vince Gabbert is with Lexington Sporting Club, the entity behind the project. He said the concept is still a proposal, not a done deal.
“We’re hopeful that it’s a go and we’re planning around that and again, we’re very optimistic. But, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves or get too far out in front,” said Gabbert.
There are plans for the new soccer franchise to begin play next spring. Lexington City Council Member Kathy Plomin is expressing concerns about the soccer project and its proposed proximity to Fasig Tipton, a well-known horse sales company in Lexington. Plomin read a statement during this week’s Council work session.
“The impact that these soccer fields with their noise, increase in traffic, and potential lighting is not conducive, nor respectful to Fasig-Tipton nor to the integrity of our horse industry,” said Plomin.
Gabbert, meanwhile, said his organization had talked with Fasig Tipton about not having tournaments during significant horse sales.
He said the dozen or so soccer fields are expected to serve well over a thousand youth soccer families and the new pro soccer franchise in Lexington.
