UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) — The debate over a popular Upper Arlington park continues to pick up steam.
On Monday, city leaders unveiled a third proposal for the redevelopment of Northam Park.
The plan calls for, amongst several items, the construction of a new swimming pool, new tennis courts, and an improved drainage system.
READ MORE: Residents feel shut out of Northam Park plans
The new proposal was discussed, before the city council, at a public hearing moved to Upper Arlington High School’s auditorium to accommodate a large crowd. More than 70 residents signed up to speak out both in its support and opposition.
Some residents, unable to attend the meeting, still shared their thoughts.
“We’re very passionate about the remodel of the park,” said Jennie Baker, who supports the plan. “It’s important for it to be clean, be pretty and be a pride of Upper Arlington.”
Opponents are concerned about a number of issues. They are worried too many old trees would be cut down during a remodel. They also are concerned about the plan to construct ten new tennis courts, fewer than the 12 now in existence.
The remodel plan is expected to cost anywhere from $11 million to $14 million. City leaders say it would be funded by tax money already approved by voters. The cost is a major point of contention for opponents.
“My husband and I feel like we just want things to slow down,” said Elizabeth Hoover. “Let’s get everything out before we rush to make all these changes.”
If the current proposal is approved, construction would begin later this year.
The city council is expected to act on the plan no earlier than next week.
Ideas for the future of Northam Park that have been tweaked and tossed around since 2012: Ideas such as moving the senior center into a shared use recreational facility, replacing Tremont Pool (which is now out of service), and re-locating the tennis courts for more uninterrupted green space.