baseball field

[field]

It looks like the bidding is a done deal, but if Cranbury is like my prior town it is not a done deal until the bidder is hired. So the big arguement can be made when the bids come in. It provides the TC with an excuse to back out because they can say we felt the bids were too high and it saves the residents from spending money.

I do commend Mr. Wittman who has voiced his concern over this project in the meetings. Hopefully, we can encourage others to back him up.

[WhatHappenedwithBRL]

What was the outcome about the BR field at the last TC meeting on Aug 23? I didn't see the agenda till after the meeting was over. I see someone posted it the day before the meeting, thanks for the 1/2 day lead time TC. How are cranbury residence suppose to know what the topics are for the TC meeting? I work in NY and nobody posts an agenda the day before the meeting and expects to have anyone show up, people are busy - give us some lead time please. Some of us have jobs in far away places like NYC but sill want to attend.

Thanks

[Jeff M.]

Was it discussed? I was looking for the agenda and missed its posting. Whenever I looked I always saw the closed door meeting with no specifics.

[Guest]

I did some research on this topic on the net. Here are my findings. Your comments are welcome.

1. According to "2007 Cranbury Township Open Space and Recreation Plan" (pdf file):

"Around this same time, the Township Committee was considering a subdivision of the
then 50-acre Wright South parcel of land (which it had just acquired), which was located
to the north and west of the Cranbury School. The idea was for the Township to create
two lots, one of which would remain in farmland preservation, the other of which would
be held in reserve by the Township for future municipal purposes. The Wright South
parcel then became the logical site for the proposed regulation-size baseball field, be-
cause it was felt that the West parcel would be better suited to be a preserve and Wright
South would be better suited to be utilized for active recreation and other municipal
purposes.

In order to gather public input on the questions of whether or not to have a regulation
ball field on the Wright South parcel, and what other facilities could and should be devel-
oped on the parcel alongside it, in 2002 the Township hired the firm of Brown & Keener
(landscape architects, urban designers) to conduct a community “charrette.” Members
of various boards and organizations involved in recreation in Cranbury were invited to
participate, as were other stakeholders (such as the School and nearby neighbors), as
well as members of the public at large.
The charrette was concluded with a broad consensus among stakeholders and residents
that the Wright South parcel should be used for the following purposes:

• a regulation baseball field;
• land designated for a library/community center;
• an open town green; and
• land designated for additional vehicular access and parking."

http://www.cranburytownship.org/CranburyOSRP2.pdf


2. According to this Cranbury Recreation Commission meeting minutes dated 6/24/04:

"9. Babe Ruth Field: Ken stated that a lawsuit has been filed by the resident adjacent to the Wright property to determine who will pay for the new water line to their home. The water line is needed to irrigate the fields."

http://www.cranburytownship.org/Recreation_minutes-06-24-04.html

3. According to this Cranbury Recreation Commission meeting minutes dated Oct. 28 2004:

"7. Babe Ruth Field: Beth presented a drawing from Brown and Keener for the Babe Ruth field. The Engineer’s are coming in on November 22nd with the design elements. She stated that the plan calls for a pedestrian path around the park, the material of the pathway is being considered at this time. The cost of the land is $750,000. Mario recommended that the bathrooms be connected to the shed building instead of providing porta johns on the property. Beth advised that we are hoping to begin construction in the spring. Beth stated that the pavilion may not be constructed, this will be determined after the park is constructed. The Board recommended that the line item for the pavilion remain in the capital budget."

http://www.cranburytownship.org/Recreation_minutes-10-28-04.html


4. According to this TC meeting minutes dated Nov. 22 2004:

"a. Wright South Baseball Field

Bob Brown from Brown and Keener, along with members of the Wright South Baseball Subcommittee, presented the proposed Baseball Field design and plan for the Wright South Property to the Township Committee and public.

Mr. Brown reviewed the site of the proposed baseball field, the dugout area and bleachers and suggested an outfield fence. He also discussed grading and sloping, trees and grass. Mr. Brown indicated the cost of irrigating the soccer and baseball field would be approximately $290,000, of which $75,000 would be for the connection fee.

Mayor Stannard inquired if having the fence was necessary. Mr. Brown indicated he would check, as there are certain regulations for Babe Ruth League baseball fields which must be folowed.

Ms. Stave spoke as the Co-Chair of the SubCommittee, thanking Mr. Brown for his patience and diligence and commending him for taking into consideration when planning the field that it was intended to be a “minimalist” field. Ms. Stave indicated she, like Mayor Stannard, recalled a fence not being necessary. Ms. Stave then went on record in support of the fence, indicating the importance of demarcating where the baseball field ends for safety reasons. Ms. Stave also indicated the SubCommittee is still refining the costs and looking at ways to reduce them where possible. She, Judy Dossin, Parks Chairperson and Tom Witt, Public Works Supervisor,have walked the property to determine tree removal. They will look at the parcel again and come up with a planting scheme as well. The SubCommittee has collected some resources to fund the project. The Township has already received $75,000 from the County. Ms. Stave mentioned the space is a 14-acre green, to be used by the residents of the Township as open space.

Mr. John Ziegler, Prospect Street, asked how often the field would be used and who would be responsible for maintaining it. Mr. Ziegler expressed his concern over a need for the baseball field.

Ms. Stave responded the Township has been discussing the ball field for many years, a critical mass of people have expressed their supported for it; therefore the Township Committee is committed to developing it. Ms. Stave also indicated if the field does not get a lot of use it’s open space and will remain open forever.

Mayor Stannard also spoke, indicating there has been a request for a ball field for a number of years by the school, families and ballplayers. The decision to build it has been made.

Judy Dossin, Parks Chairperson spoke in support of the ball field. Ms. Dossin read a letter from the Parks Board in support of and recommending the ball field as well as the adjoining community area.

Township Committeeman-elect Stout spoke in support of the ball field, indicating there is a need for the field and in addition, how important having the community green area is.

Mr. Panconi spoke in favor of the ball field and mentioned he coaches the Cranbury/Plainsboro Little League. Mr. Panconi also indicated he is in support of the fence.

Mr. Mayes spoke in favor of the ball field and made reference to the series of public meetings which were held several years ago and how many residents participated in those meetings. Mr. Mayes thanked Ms. Stave on behalf of the Township Committee for including in the process all of the impacted groups. Mr. Mayes also thanked Mr. Brown for understanding Cranbury in his design and the location of the ball field. Mr. Mayes also supported the fence, citing safety and the preservation of the integrity of the game. Mr. Mayes mentioned there are approximately 220 participants from Cranbury in the Little League. That Little League is the feeder system for Babe Ruth. In the past, there was no Babe Ruth field to play on. Mr. Mayes stated he thought this was an excellent idea and commended both Ms. Stave and Mr. Brown for their great work.

Mayor Stannard mentioned he had received a letter from the School Board in support of the ball field and asking the Township to put the field in place by spring of 2006.

Ms. Stave asked that a “straw vote” be taken on having or not having the fence. All members of the Township Committee were in favor of having the fence.

A motion was made by Ms. Stave, seconded by Mr. Panconi and unanimously carried to approve Bob Brown’s plan as presented this evening, including the out field fence, dugouts and any necessary components for the backstop as presented and to proceed this spring with the grading and seeding of the entire space and proceed with the community use of the parcel in the fall. In addition, there will be no advertising and no lights on the ball field.

Mr. Panconi asked the Township Engineer the status of the demolition of the Wright South buildings. Ms. Marcelli responded they are scheduled for this week.

Ms. Stave asked the Township Committee’s consideration to continue with the Babe Ruth SubCommittee, to be called now the Wright South Planning SubCommittee and indicating over time the composition of that SubCommittee may change as they begin to discuss the needs and planning for a free-standing library and community center. The Township Committee unanimously approved Ms. Stave’s request."

http://www.cranburytownship.org/TC_minutes_11-22-04.html


5. According to this Cranbury Press article dated June 29, 2007. The Babe Ruth League baseball field was given a go-ahead in June 2007. The township will pick a contractor to build it this summer.

---------------------------------------------------------------
(Note: you need to pay to access the full article.)

"Go-ahead given for ball field

By: Michelle McGuinness, Staff Writer June 29, 2007

Mayor Stout: the township hopes to find a contractor sometime this summer

Cranbury Township hopes to pick someone this summer to build its long-awaited Babe Ruth League"

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18533991&BRD=1091%20&PAG=461&dept_id=425419&rfi=6
------------------

[Guest]

According to the TC meeting minutes dated Nov. 22 2004:

http://www.cranburytownship.org/TC_minutes_11-22-04.html

The decision to build the baseball field was decided at this meeting.

"Mr. John Ziegler, Prospect Street, asked how often the field would be used and who would be responsible for maintaining it. Mr. Ziegler expressed his concern over a need for the baseball field.

Ms. Stave responded the Township has been discussing the ball field for many years, a critical mass of people have expressed their supported for it; therefore the Township Committee is committed to developing it. Ms. Stave also indicated if the field does not get a lot of use it’s open space and will remain open forever.

Mayor Stannard also spoke, indicating there has been a request for a ball field for a number of years by the school, families and ballplayers. The decision to build it has been made.

Judy Dossin, Parks Chairperson spoke in support of the ball field. Ms. Dossin read a letter from the Parks Board in support of and recommending the ball field as well as the adjoining community area.

Township Committeeman-elect Stout spoke in support of the ball field, indicating there is a need for the field and in addition, how important having the community green area is.

Mr. Panconi spoke in favor of the ball field and mentioned he coaches the Cranbury/Plainsboro Little League. Mr. Panconi also indicated he is in support of the fence.

Mr. Mayes spoke in favor of the ball field and made reference to the series of public meetings which were held several years ago and how many residents participated in those meetings. Mr. Mayes thanked Ms. Stave on behalf of the Township Committee for including in the process all of the impacted groups. Mr. Mayes also thanked Mr. Brown for understanding Cranbury in his design and the location of the ball field. Mr. Mayes also supported the fence, citing safety and the preservation of the integrity of the game. Mr. Mayes mentioned there are approximately 220 participants from Cranbury in the Little League. That Little League is the feeder system for Babe Ruth. In the past, there was no Babe Ruth field to play on. Mr. Mayes stated he thought this was an excellent idea and commended both Ms. Stave and Mr. Brown for their great work.

Mayor Stannard mentioned he had received a letter from the School Board in support of the ball field and asking the Township to put the field in place by spring of 2006."

[Jeff M.]

That is good research.

A couple of items that concerned me.

- A TC member who coaches should have abstained from the discussions, not just the vote. It's a conflict of interest.

- The 220 kids that play in CPLL is great. However, how many go on to Babe Ruth and will those who don't be able to use the field for sand lot games.

- There seems to be more opposition to the field than supporters. It also is a concern that the TC member who was on the committee seems very driven to get this accomplished rather than listen to a town person who raised valid questions.

- Lastly, how many kids on the Babe Ruth team are Cranbury vs other towns. I played one year in the Babe Ruth league and we had 2 kids from town.

- Is Babe Ruth going to fund the field? If they want the field then they as a league should pay a usage fee that covers the cost of building it and maintaining it.

I would be less opposed if the school was using the field, but if this is a Babe Ruth field then the school team is not allowed to at those times.

[Guest]

It seems this is just a "a regulation baseball field," not necessary a Babe Ruth field. I believe the intent is for everyone to use it not just the Babe Ruth team (correct me if I am wrong).

The timing of building this field is bad. It will look worse for people in favor of building it if it does not get used much after spending all the money.

[Jeff M.]

No, it's Babe Ruth field, even the subcommittee was labeled that.

It's going to look bad for those in support of the field as the taxes are already increasing 17% on top of the reval. That plus a million dollar field and $25 mill of debt already in place is a tough sell to the voters who I'm sure are greater opponents of increased taxes and expenses than supporters of building a ball field.

If the town is so keen on spending a million dollars, then I'd rather they pay down the debt.

[Guest]

If you are a Cranbury resident, you can use the link listed below to voice your concerns about this project.

http://cranburytownship.org/contactus.html

[Guest]

It is my understanding that the majority of the cost of the field will be absorbed by the county.

Question is, what else should be done with the land that will keep it somewhat open? If the Babe Ruth field (with fence but no lights ) does not go in, then....what will be put there instead? Affordable housing?

It would be great to keep the space open, since this size field seems utterly unwarranted (how many fields does a town need?). But that argument has been put forth before I am sure. However, if the field is just used by Cranbury kids requiring this size field, then there won't be many games. It will just be an ugly fenced in piece of property in the middle of town that's hardly used. But then again, having such a nice field in town, right next to a field of corn....soon there will be adults playing the game on the field as well (right?)

If it's recreation they have to put in, then why not an awesome track and field facility...ahhh forget that. We don't have a high school. Our kids need to play baseball; they don't need to run 400m, or practice their long jump, shot put, and high jump. Plus that would raise our property taxes more than the a baseball field

Did I say property tax increase? Hey, I just got one. Maybe there is more money in the budget for 2008?

[Guest]

Actually, I'd like it to remain an open space with a grass field for flying kites, picnics, etc... I don't see why it can't be open like a lot of parks in Princeton. There seems to be a need to develop something and not just leave nice open space.

If the county is paying the cost of the field I have less of an issue if we can allow kids and adults to have pick up games.

[satellite view]

Check out this satellite map:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=cranbury+school+nj&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=62.361795,99.667969&ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&ll=40.312618,-74.518107&spn=0.003731,0.009602&z=17

It looks like work has begun.

[Guest]

Yeah umm that picture is from when Writes Roses buildings were still on the property.

[Guest]

So the project was decided in 2004 and some work had been done on the filed since then. BTW, how do people access the field, from Cranbury school parking area?

[interesting]

According to this TC minutes dated 7/17/06:

Recreation Master Plan Subcommittee to develop the recreation component of the Township's Master Plan July 17, 2006 meeting.
Public Input Results.

http://www.cranburytownship.org/TC_minutes_07-17-06-results.html

Towards the end of the page there is this:

"Group 1:

1. Accessibility to all facilities for all residents
2. More focus on programs for adults
3. No Babe Ruth field ( 6 out of 6 thought money should go to other activities or fields)"

It's not clear to me what the 6 groups are.

[Guest]

"So the project was decided in 2004 and some work had been done on the filed since then. BTW, how do people access the field, from Cranbury school parking area?"

No work has been done other than clean up from Writes.