It would be very surprising if the City would change zoning adjacent to a recreational facility. A second issue with deeding the property is access. All properties in the City must have direct access. This property would have access only through the City driveway. To create its own access would necessitate going through a wetlands area.
Time is of the essence for hockey.
However we have the responsibility to the taxpayers to study this issue fully before making a decision that has a long-range impact on our community. The stockpile of dirt at Islander Park was moved to enable the Hockey Assn to begin construction. The pile is extremely large and the Public Works Committee is asking that at least 2,000 yards be sold and removed by freeze up time this year. Dale will explain the details of this at the council meeting. Inc. This in no way obligates the City to any debt but will help the Youth Hockey obtain a much lower interest rate.