COURT HOUSE — With the Phillies’ World Series championship still fresh in everyone’s mind, the Middle Township Baseball Association took the opportunity Monday night to ask township committee to approve plans for a new baseball project — striking while the iron was hot, so to speak.
The association, represented by attorney Tom Hillegas, wants to build a steel building at the township-owned Clarence and Georgiana Davies Sports Complex on Goshen Road. The building would house four batting cages and be heated and air conditioned for year round use.
Hillegas said the facility would be located behind centerfield of the complex’s senior baseball field and would not encroach on any existing fields.
According to township Solicitor James Pickering, the association has agreed to pay for the construction, maintenance and utility bills associated with the project leaving no financial burden for township taxpayers. The association would then lease the building from the township.
Hillegas told the Herald that the project would be a “perfect marriage” between the public and private sectors accomplishing a project that would be outside of the township’s capabilities during its current budgetary difficulties.
Pickering noted that the association would be allowed to charge fees for the facility to use as income for its upkeep, but Hillegas agreed that there would be periods of open time in which township residents could use the cages for free. It would be available for the township school district baseball and softball programs as well.
The building would also be available to rent for parties, Hillegas suggested. The batting cages are also portable so the building could be utilized for non-baseball events.
Pickering said similar projects have been done successfully in other municipalities including Upper Township.
“It really is a win-win situation,” Hillegas said. “It’s great for the community and great for the kids.”
Committee members unanimously passed the resolution entering into the lease agreement with the association.
Mayor F. Nathan Doughty, still seemingly inflicted with Phillies Phever, noted his support for the project as all-American as “apple pie.” With over 500 baseball and softball players last season, the association’s growth has been huge, Doughty said.
Committeeman Steve Barry agreed noting the association had a “very good plan.”
During the public portion of the meeting, township resident Carole Mattessich voiced her support for the “wonderful” project, but questioned whether the township would have any liability issues.
Pickering assured her that the agreement would hold the township harmless against any claims. The association’s insurance would cover the building, he said.
Hillegas told the Herald that the association must now present its plans to one of the township’s land use boards for approval.
“The association has a lot of hard working members dedicated to making this project happen,” Hillegas said.
The association will be holding fundraising benefits and accepting donations to advance this project, Hillegas said. He noted that Middle Township Fire District No. 1 had already donated the air conditioning units from its firehouse project at the site of the former Avalon Carpet. The association will refurbish the units and use them for its new facility, he said.
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com
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