County Commissioners narrowly approve $65 million sports complex in Southmont

The Davidson County Board of Commissioners narrowly approved a capital project ordinance for a $65 million sports complex in Southmont, after hearing from several people in opposition and in support of the project during their meeting on Monday.

The commissioners voted four to three to approve the ordinance. County commissioners Fred McClure, Matt Mizell and Tripp Kester voted against the motion stating the need for more public input.

The complex, which will be located off of N.C. Highway 8 and Owens Road, includes soccer and baseball fields, an aquatics center, indoor basketball courts, tennis courts and an RV park.

The capital project ordinance includes completing the complex all at once instead of phasing the project out over several years. The $65 million will come out of the county’s capital improvement project budget this year, and includes redirecting $50 million budgeted for a sewer expansion project to Salisbury, which is now in question.

During the public comment period prior to the approval of the capital project ordinance, people spoke both in support and in opposition of the sports complex.

Angela Lowe asked the commissioners why they are planning on spending $65 million on a sports complex without getting the opinion of the taxpayers through either a bond during elections or other community surveys.
“Why vote on it tonight without a lot of public input? This was just made public last month, as far as I know,” she said.

Davidson County Manager Casey Smith said since there is no zoning change or debt to be incurred for the project, the county is not required to give public notice. This is also why there is no need for a bond referendum or a public hearing.
Smith also explained the money being used is from the American Rescue Plan Act which provided funds to local and state governments during the pandemic in 2021. 

It allows the
government to reimburse itself for local funds used to COVID related expenses. These funds go back into the general fund which can be used for capital improvement projects.
Other residents who opposed the proposed complex stated issues with traffic congestion, the impact events would have on neighboring property owners, strain on infrastructure, the lack of gas stations, hotels and restaurants in the area.
But there were also several residents who spoke in favor of the complex, saying it would be a huge benefit to the youth in the community, and their parents. They also said it would be an economic benefit to local businesses, and provide additional revenue for the county.

Samuel Antonelli said as someone who coaches as well as referees at different events, he has seen the impact these kinds of facilities have brought to other areas.

“This is an opportunity for our kids,” said Antonelli. “I can speak first hand on the amount of money it brings in…I can see this being a huge benefit for Davidson County.”

Chris Biesecker, a member of the Southwood/Southmont Athletic Booster Club, said the students in Davidson County are in need of more facilities for sport activities. “We need it for our children, we need it for our community. It can have a big impact on our economy and our kids; lives,” said Biesecker.