CANFIELD TWP. Sports center ruling delayed

The proposed complex is being promoted as one of the largest in the state.
By PETER H. MILLIKEN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CANFIELD -- The township zoning board of appeals has deferred until 7 p.m. June 20 its decision whether to grant a special use variance for the proposed All-Star Sports Complex.
Loran Brooks, board chairman, said that there were "too many unanswered questions" concerning the project and that the board wants to examine the proposed layout of the project's three phrases before making its decision.
Barry Tancer of Laurel Hills Lane, president of All-Star Sports Complex, proposes to have the center built on 89 vacant agriculturally zoned acres on the east side of Columbiana-Canfield Road (state Route 46), about 450 feet north of Western Reserve Road.
In a letter to zoning officials, Tancer describes the proposed complex as "one of the largest and most complete sporting complexes in not only this area, but also in the state." When completed, he said, the complex is to consist of a large main building, several smaller buildings and many exterior sports fields.
The main building would have between 150,000 and 200,000 square feet of indoor space, including a full-size baseball or softball field, two lacrosse fields, two soccer fields, basketball and volleyball courts, indoor golf simulators, an Olympic-size swimming pool, workout areas, a pro shop and store, locker rooms and a concession area.
The exterior will consist of baseball fields ranging from Little League-size to full-size baseball and softball fields as well as lacrosse and soccer fields.
Reaction
Tancer presented his proposal to the board Monday before a capacity crowd of about 50 people, consisting of speakers supporting and opposing the facility.
"After this is built, there's obviously not going to be peace and quiet," lamented Louise Rulli of Poland, who said she plans to use the land adjacent to the proposed complex for three family residences.
"This is a private business. They could locate anywhere. They could look at someplace that's already zoned commercial," she added.
Mike Zayac of West Western Reserve Road said the land where the complex is proposed slopes sharply from east to west, such that a lake is formed when it rains. "If you're going to build a sports complex, you want flat land. You don't want this area,'' he said.
Brooks replied that Tancer would not be permitted to increase runoff of water onto neighboring land.
Phases
The complex would be built in three phases, with the first phase, estimated to cost $1.5 million to $2 million, consisting of the indoor baseball and lacrosse fields and exterior baseball and soccer fields. Tancer said he hopes to have the indoor portion of the first phase completed before next winter and to begin work on the exterior baseball and soccer fields next spring. "It'll be a state-of-the-art facility. There's nothing like it in the area," Tancer said.
Zoning Inspector Dave Morrison read into the hearing record a letter of support for the project from the Canfield schools athletic department. The letter, signed by Lee Frey, mayor and athletic director, said the complex could be used by community residents of all ages and would enhance real estate values and provide school teams, especially the swim team, with a convenient place to practice.