Building a concession stand near the softball fields at Herman Avenue Elementary School in Auburn may or may not be a good idea, but there's no reason that a proposal to do so should become a hot potato for city government.
An effort being led by Auburn Xtreme Softball would see a refreshment stand and restroom built on city-owned property on Ross Street next to softball fields that sit on property owned by the Auburn school district. But a site plan review requested of the planning board has been put off because the planning board wants the Auburn City Council to first decide whether it will agree to lease the plot of land in question.
We think the planning board has got it backward. It would be better to go ahead and make an assessment of this proposal's impact before the council is asked to decide whether or not to allow the land to be used for that purpose. It doesn't make sense for the city — or a potential renter — to hash out a lease agreement when there are so many questions about the project to begin with.
The concession stand is envisioned at 1,792 square feet — larger than many Auburn homes — and neighbors who attended the most recent planning board meeting raised concerns about drainage, lighting, noise, traffic and litter.
It's possible the council could be tempted to look at a potential lease deal mainly as a potential revenue stream. But serious consideration needs to given to the impact this structure could have on the neighborhood.
The planning board is the group with specific expertise in issues regarding land use, so there is no reason to punt this to the council. Whether the board finds big problems with this proposal — or no problems at all — the council can make a more informed decision about whether to allow it to happen.
We believe that the planning board should put this item on the agenda for its next meeting and invite Auburn Xtreme Softball, neighbors and anyone else with information or an opinion to come and join the discussion.
The board should then move ahead with a site plan review. The board's findings — and recommendations — will help the council make an informed decision about the project's ultimate fate.
