The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is considering awarding a million dollars to a private group that plans to build new soccer fields off Athens-Boonesboro Road. Kevin Atkins is the city’s chief development officer. He said the deal with the Lexington Sporting Club has been discussed since last fall and is part of a public-private partnership designed to make soccer fields more available and spur economic development.
“We addressed it just like we would if it was a company coming to Lexington and so we took the million dollars, and they have agreed to have a certain number of jobs out there year-round for 10 years.”
Critics of the deal say the location of the soccer complex and the cost of joining a private team would prevent most Lexington kids from playing there. Atkins said the money is for infrastructure and the Lexington Sporting Club will have to show the city its bills. He said the site was certified by the state as a tourist destination.
“The Economic Development Cabinet also approved what's called a KIA incentive. So it gives them back some of their sales tax. That's when we move forward on this agreement as well.”
Atkins said the proposed agreement does not involve a new stadium for the Lexington Sporting Club’s pro team.
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