ANCHORAGE - A new stadium at South High School is closer to becoming a reality. More than $2 million has been set aside in the state's capital budget, and is awaiting approval by Governor Sean Parnell.
But not all neighbors are excited about the noise that could come with a future stadium.
Alex Slivka, President of the Turnagain View Estates Homeowners Association, says several of its homeowners feel betrayed by the city because it was told it would always be a practice field.
"We feel that they made past errors, refused to acknowledge past promises made that this would always be a practice field, just because of its location," he said. "There is no way to mitigate the light or the noise."
He says the Municipality of Anchorage is not listening to concerns from neighbors and is following its own agenda.
"I have heard that concern to the extent that the homeowners weren't informed, they're certainly informed now, they've taken advantage, as they should, of all public comment opportunities," said Mike Abbott, assistant superintendent of support services at the Anchorage School District.
Abbott says they realize they've had to make changes to the initial site plan, but have had overwhelming support from families and neighbors near South High School.
"This is for the kids, and the kids have the right to have a field and stadium that they can play at amongst their friends, community, family," said John Lewis, head football coach for South High.
For now, though, plans for the stadium are on hold.
The association is currently appealing the revised site plan approved by the city. A hearing is expected sometime in June.
