UPDATE: The Rochester City Council has just voted to override Mayor Kim Norton’s vetoes, advancing the $65 million sports and recreation complex project. This decision, made on Monday, October 16, 2023, allows for the initial phase of construction to move forward, with groundbreaking expected in the spring.
Supporters of the project, including Rochester Community and Technical College Head Baseball Coach Clark Jones, passionately argued that the facility will transform local sports and economic opportunities. “Providing a quality tournament in Rochester, on turf fields during March, for us would be a game changer,” Jones stated to the council, emphasizing the financial benefits of hosting local tournaments instead of traveling out of state.
The council’s decision to approve $52.2 million in construction contracts and hiring a facility operator passed with a 5-2 vote, signaling strong support among council members despite the mayor’s objections. Norton claimed her vetoes reflected community feedback, asserting that residents believed they were voting for a comprehensive indoor and outdoor complex. “The project is not a year-round, community-focused facility,” she urged.
During the meeting, Jane Shellum, a concerned Rochester resident, expressed disappointment over the shift in plans, which now focus primarily on outdoor facilities. “If you are going to pivot so much from what was promised publicly to the voters, it should go back to the voters,” she insisted.
Despite opposition, several speakers highlighted the economic advantages of the project. Former council member Ed Hruska noted that the initial proposal was based on a similar project in Iowa, which had inflated costs and necessitated adjustments. “The adjusted local plan makes financial sense by reducing future tax impacts,” Hruska explained.
Supporters argue that the facility will boost local tourism, with Pat Sexton of the Rochester Sports Foundation stating, “Visitors spend a lot of money on hotels, restaurants, and shopping, and those places are owned by Rochester residents.” Local hospitality representatives echoed this sentiment, calling for community investment in the facility.
However, not all residents are convinced. AJ Colapinto challenged the reduced scope of the project, questioning its capacity to serve local needs adequately. “If the local use is that half the year I can play pickleball and that’s pretty much it, I don’t think it’s really serving the local use,” he remarked.
Supporters maintain that the two planned turf fields will enhance opportunities for various sports, addressing Minnesota’s unpredictable weather that often disrupts games. Chris Lukenbill from the Rochester Area Lacrosse echoed these concerns, stating that turf fields provide a safer and more reliable playing surface.
As the council moves forward, Council President Randy Schubring emphasized the importance of responding to the majority vote from 2023, which approved the sports complex project. “It’s hard to get past the popular vote,” he stated, reinforcing the council’s commitment to fulfilling voter expectations.
The next steps include finalizing construction plans and appointing a facility operator, with the community eagerly anticipating the potential benefits of the new sports complex. As discussions continue, both supporters and critics remain vocal about their visions for Rochester’s future.
