Colman residents to vote Tuesday, July 28
By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
As a July 28 vote nears, Colman-Egan school officials want residents to understand that they are not voting directly on whether the district can build a new athletic complex. They are deciding whether the proposed site should be annexed into City of Colman and rezoned for the project.
If both measures pass, the property would become part of Colman and be developed under city zoning. If either fails, officials say it would remain under Moody County jurisdiction, where the district could continue pursuing the project through the county.
Opposition signs have gone up in several Colman yards in recent weeks, particularly near the school. Some neighboring homeowners have been consistently vocal that they do not want a football field and track complex essentially in their backyards. They are concerned about increased traffic, parking, noise, lights and trash, as well as the property’s proximity to a neighboring slough and the potential for flooding.
Not all nearby residents believe the complex would be a detriment, however. Some support the project and the opportunities it could provide students and the community, and don’t feel any risks outweigh the likely benefits.
Superintendent Scott Hemmer said he has heard a tremendous amount of support, even if those residents have not been as vocal.
Hemmer took the Moody County Enterprise for a drive around the property this past week. The visit offered a closer look at how the complex might fit into the space — and how it could affect the row of homes between the school and the proposed site.
Hemmer said he understands why those living closest to the property have concerns.
“They didn’t think anybody would ever be back here,” he said.
The district envisions placing the football field and track near the center of the site, with parking potentially bordering the complex. Field events would likely be located farther north.
The property is narrow in places, but Hemmer said there appears to be plenty of room for the track, bleachers, parking and access. The district also owns more land east of the existing tree line than may be apparent from the road.
No final layout has reportedly been completed, however.
Hemmer said annexation would make it easier and potentially less expensive to connect to city utilities. If the property remains in the county, the district would need to determine how to bring services to the site.
The proposed complex would also give the district room to move parking away from surrounding streets. Hemmer said Logan Street can become difficult to travel during home football games because of parked vehicles.
He acknowledged there would still be additional traffic near the proposed site on game nights, with parking for track meets likely presenting the greatest challenge. The number and location of parking spaces have not been determined.
For Hemmer, the primary reason for pursuing the project remains what it would offer students.
“It’s for the kids,” he said.
Colman-Egan track athletes currently do not have a track on which to practice. Some events are practiced inside, including high jump on the gym floor.
Hemmer said a new complex could also provide residents with a safer surface for walking and running away from vehicle traffic.
“There’s going to be people for and against stuff, and I respect that,” he said.
As the vote approaches, Hemmer encourages residents with questions to contact the district and those who have been vocal with opposition to the current proposed site — and consider both the concerns and potential benefits.