Normal Council unified on need for sports complex feasibility study

Posted on February 20, 2018
Sports Facilities Advisory
Normal Town Council members unanimously hired Florida consultant Sports Facilities Advisory to conduct a sports complex feasibility study. (Courtesy Sports Facilities Advisory Facebook Page)

By Howard Packowitz and WMBD-TV

NORMAL – Normal Town Council members have unanimously agreed to spend $47,000 taxpayer dollars to fund a study determining if the community can support a multi-sports complex.

Clearwater, Florida consultant Sports Facilities Advisory is expected to complete the study in three months.

Council member Kevin McCarthy defended the cost.

“I think this is a pricey idea and I think it’s well worth a small investment and good information for us to make great decisions on very expensive ideas,” said McCarthy.

Councilman Jeff Fritzen said a “full blown” study is the best way to move forward.

“I know people scoff at spending of this kind of money for a study, but we don’t have the in-house expertise or time to conduct this kind of study,” Fritzen said.

Incoming City Manager Pamela Reece said if a sports complex is determined to be feasible, the study will look at possible locations, not just sites on the west side.

News partner WMBD-TV cited community leaders who believe a sports complex would bring in more people to stay at hotels, eat at local restaurants, and create jobs.

Bloomington is not participating in the study. The Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau will help defray some of the cost.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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