The first meeting of a group put together by Salem Mayor Nic Farley to move forward on a soccer complex set some initial plans into motion to reach their goal.
The Vice President of the Little League Board Tony Etnier told the group the board would entertain discussion on leasing a 15-acre field just south of the Little League Complex on South College for the soccer fields and share some facilities, such as the concession stand, to assist the soccer group.
Group member Matt Stanford said he would get a 501c non-profit organization established so donations could begin towards the project. He expressed confidence they could reach a $200,000 fundraising goal to be utilized against $300,000 in city money. It’s hoped the half-million dollars will be enough to get the complex open.
Others volunteered to provide labor and equipment to keep costs down on what is envisioned as a four to six-field facility.
Salem Mayor Nic Farley started the meeting with an apology for the lack of progress on a soccer field facility. He feels he can sell the city council on a $300,000 investment.
“We would start out with a grant hopefully this year to get them started, and then do matching grants the next two years. The matching grants would match the funds they raise so that there is some skin in the game from that organization as well. I think they can manage this project and move faster even better than the city can. And it’s a perfect version of what a private/public partnership looks like.”
Farley notes if problems develop with the Little League location at least one other potential site could be considered. He wants the group to decide the best location. Farley received calls from several Little League Board members after the last city council meeting offering to reopen talks of working together on a soccer field, an offer Farley said was not there before.
Farley and Salem City Councilman Craig Morton feel the decision to sell the location that had been set aside for the soccer complex at West Main and Selmaville Road for an industrial facility may be a blessing in disguise in getting a good soccer complex built. Morton and Jed Casner who heads the YMCA and City Recreation Department will serve as non-voting city representatives of the group.
The members of the soccer committee include Stanford, Etnier, Steve Baker, Curtis Findley, Chadd Nix, Dr. Creighton Engel, Orlando Ramos, Megan Branch, Rich Crouse, and Brian Lipe.
