Residents speak out about proposed Coal Valley sports complex

Residents packed the house for a Coal Valley sports complex rezoning meeting.

Developer Kevin Chumbley presented his plans for the complex. The Crete Life Sports Complex, to be located on Route 6, is set to feature baseball and softball diamonds, batting cages, pickleball courts, a playground and a camping lot.

About 50 people showed up for the meeting, with some spilling out into the hallway. The Coal Valley Planning and Zoning Board gave approval to rezone the area near Niabi Zoo from residential to business use. The recommendation by the board was unanimous.

Opponents of the project worry the complex would bring more traffic and more noise. They’re circulating an online petition against the development. There’s still a long way to go before the project becomes reality. The developer hasn’t bought the property yet, and the board needs to approve it.

The board will make its first review of the rezoning plan August 12. For more information from the July 30 meeting, click here.

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