Southington HS Athletics, Parking Upgrades On Hold After PZC Vote

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A major athletics facility upgrade and parking project at Southington High School appears to be on hold after the zoning board tabled any action on the proposal last week.

The Southington Planning and Zoning Commission, on May 5, reviewed plans for upgrades to athletic facilities at Southington High School, including new tennis courts, lighting, and expanded parking, before voting to table the application and taking no action on the project.

The multi-million-dollar proposal from Southington Public Schools calls for the removal of existing tennis courts and a grass field at 720 Pleasant St. and replacement with new courts, athletic lighting, and associated parking improvements.

Chris Hulk, a professional engineer with CEH Engineering and Consulting representing the school district, told commissioners the project is intended to improve safety, parking availability, and the condition of aging athletic facilities.

Hulk said parking shortages near the athletic complex have led visitors and students to park along Pleasant Street, creating what he described as an unsafe environment.

He said the existing tennis courts are undersized, approximately 20 years old, and unable to host events.

The proposed redesign includes roughly 140 parking spaces, which Hulk said should eliminate on-street parking during athletic events.

Plans also call for post-tension concrete tennis courts with a 50-year structural warranty, upgraded LED athletic lighting, and a new black picket fence replacing existing chain-link fencing.

Hulk said the layout of the courts was influenced by an existing high-pressure gas main running through the property, resulting in one section containing three courts and another containing four.

Commission members raised questions about stormwater management, traffic flow, visibility, and pedestrian safety.

Commissioner Susan Locks was absent, but Alternate Kat Caird, seated for Commissioner Caleb Cowles, asked whether a proposed stormwater retention basin would frequently hold water.

Hulk responded that the basin is designed to temporarily manage runoff from the additional impervious surfaces and should drain within 24 hours after storms.

Commissioner Robert Britton questioned whether barriers would adequately prevent vehicles or pedestrians from entering the basin area and also asked about sight lines near the proposed entrance and fencing along Pleasant Street.

Hulk said concrete curbing and possible additional fencing would be installed around the parking area and that visibility measurements met roadway safety requirements.

Alternate David Scott asked whether the courts could also accommodate pickleball or basketball.

Hulk said both uses are being discussed and could be incorporated into the design.

Scott also asked about traffic-calming measures in the parking lot, including speed bumps.

Hulk said schools generally avoid speed bumps because they complicate snow removal operations.

Acting Planning and Community Development Director David Lavallee told commissioners the project still requires financing approval or allocation, though he said that would not affect the commission’s ruling on the site plan application.

Ultimately, the commission unanimously voted to table the application following a motion by Vice Chair Todd Chaplinsky and a second by Britton.

The PZC will likely address the project at a future meeting.

For the minutes of the May 5 Southington Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

From March 23: 'Southington BoE OK's Contracts For Massive SHS Athletic Facility Upgrade'