Soccer complex scores nod from city council

(Salt Lake Tribune) Running away from nature lovers but into the hearts of soccer moms, the City Council ended a simmering debate over a $40 million sports complex along the Jordan River on Tuesday with a surprisingly unanimous nod.

Honoring the 2003 bond vote, it turns out, trumped lingering environmental questions.

Still, a mushrooming green group convinced soccer fields will ravage the wildlife and wildlands vows to appeal in 3rd District Court.

The vote concludes a six-year controversy that in recent weeks has ensnared Mayor Ralph Becker's administration with allegations it is forsaking the largest, last undeveloped chunk of open space along the Jordan and his open-space credentials.

Critics panned the complex planned for 2200 North as a "pay to play" playground for the rich and elite.

But a game group of soccer enthusiasts, who argue young players are underserved and that tournaments could be an economic boon, blunted the opposition.

Becker always trumpeted the proposed 23-acre natural area that would rim the 13 fields and include a river buffer that averages more than 220 feet. But the vote to release the $15.3 million bond and cash Real Salt Lake's $7.5 million gift agreement came with more conservation strings. The motion calls on the mayor to present a detailed restoration plan that may require a bigger buffer, reconfiguration of the fields, and possible private-land purchase.

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