By Thomas Grant Jr.
A ‘grand slam’ or a ‘boondoggle’?
The answer would depend upon the side taken in regards to the proposed $77 million Lexington County sports complex.
Last Tuesday, a public hearing was held by county council on the project. For close to two hours, speakers ranging from private citizens to town administrators to a former state senator voiced their opinions both pro and con.
The point of contention was the request by the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission to issue a $74 million general obligation bond to cover the project. The General Assembly, through state Sen. Nikki Seltzer, has already set aside $3 million.
LCRAC Director Randy Gibson presented a preliminary drawing of the complex. Construction would take place on 300 acres of donated land just off Interstate 77 near the 12th street extension.
The complex includes a 150,000 square foot multipurpose gymnasium with 12 basketball, 24 volleyball courts and support gymnastics and possibly wrestling. The outdoor portion would have eight high school and college-regulation Astroturf baseball fields.
The outfield would also be configured to hold lacrosse and soccer.
“The complex will be an economic driver for Lexington County and the Midlands through sports tourism,” LCRAC Director Randy Gibson said.
Among the positives Gibson cited were economic impact numbers from other cities in South Carolina and Georgia with similar sports complexes. Those numbers ranged from $84-100 million based on tourism numbers.
Gibson read an email sent by former Gamecock captain and current team Director of Player Personnel and Relations Carey Rich. He gave examples such as the Peach Jam in North Augusta as events held elsewhere and is a “missed opportunity” for the Midlands.
Rich sees the project as a “transformative event” and a “game changer” for the Midlands.
Lexington County Blowfish co-owner Bill Shanahan also came out in favor. He pointed to the installation of Astroturf at Lexington County Baseball Stadium that resulted in two baseball-related events that brought new visitors who frequented the hotels and businesses.
Shanahan called the project a “grand slam” for Lexington. He was followed by other project supporters, including Cayce Mayor Pro Tem Phil Carter, Cayce City District Two council member Byron Thomas, West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles and various sports organization representatives who see opportunities to host events locally.
While the majority of the 25 speakers supported the project, others saw areas of criticism. Their issue most specifically focused upon what they saw as an unnecessary tax burden.
Should the bond request clear second and third reading, a millage rate of $14.88 for a property assessed at $100,000 would be charged to residents south of Lake Murray.
At least five of the 25 people at the hearing spoke against the project. Their opposition focused on the annual millage rate of $14.88 for a property assessed at $100,000 to be charged to residents south of Lake Murray to pay for the bond.
Lexington resident Louise Geddings believed improving road conditions should be a higher priority.
“We already pay taxes for schools, football fields, lacrosse, soccer fields, baseball fields,” she said. “I have grandchildren. They play sports. We don’t need this. We don’t want this. What if once you start building this, you realize it’s going to take more money than you expected.
“Where’s that money coming from? Are you going to leave it unfinished like these other boondoggles in South Carolina? What happens at that time? More taxes for citizens. What if it doesn’t bring in any revenue. I’m sure it will bring some, but what if this flops? I’d rather gamble my money in Vegas than on this.”
State Sen. Jake Knotts also touched upon what he sees as an unnecessary tax. Instead of full county council approval, Knotts believes it should be done “the right way” through a public vote.
“People are out there struggling to survive,” Knotts said. “I’m not against progress. I rented a bus and took people all the way down to Alabama from Pine Ridge one year. We’ve just got to look at things for what it is. And this is a good project. I’m sure it is. But we’ve got to look after the people and put it to the vote of the people.
The next scheduled county council meeting is Sept. 8.
