GRANBY, CT — Recurring sinkholes and uneven surfaces at Granby Memorial High School's Stadium Field are among the problems behind a proposed $10.45 million athletic facilities overhaul heading to voters Dec. 8.
The proposal covers Stadium Field, the track, Field Two and baseball and softball facilities, according to the town's project description and ballot question. It would authorize spending and borrowing of up to $10.45 million.
Town officials say conditions have restricted use and prevented the school from hosting track and field competitions.
"The need for replacement of Stadium Field and Field Two is immediate and compelling," the town's project description states.
The plan calls for a concrete support system beneath Stadium Field and the track to address unstable soil, plus new turf, track surfacing, drainage improvements and LED lighting. The existing grass baseball field would become a synthetic turf facility accommodating baseball, softball and other field layouts.
Field Two is the same age as Stadium Field but has less wear, according to the town, which says doing both together would save money.
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Residents voiced support earlier in the planning process. Minutes from the Capital Program Priority Advisory Committee's Jan. 26 meeting document residents speaking in favor of the stadium and track reconstruction and baseball field conversion.
In a letter attached to those minutes, a resident questioned how projects would be funded and whether voters would get separate choices for different projects. The resident suggested the town consider paying for work through annual budgets or reserves and spreading projects over time to reduce reliance on borrowing.
The December referendum will let voters decide each of five capital project questions separately, according to the town's explanation of the borrowing process. The other proposals involve middle school repairs, library renovations, sewer pumps and improvements at Salmon Brook Park.
As Patch previously reported, a preliminary financing model aims to keep net annual debt payments at or below $1.8 million through fiscal 2032 by adjusting the timing and size of borrowing.
Residents can review drawings, costs and project descriptions at an open house Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Granby Senior Center. Town staff and capital projects committee members will be available for questions.
A town meeting is scheduled for Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center. Referendum voting will take place Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room, 15 North Granby Road.
For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.
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