Mayor to Hold Invite-Only Meeting on FOD

An invitation-only meeting takes place Monday at 7:30 p.m. at for residents who could be impacted by the controversial Fields of Dreams proposal.

Under the plan, if approved, to the football fields at  and . These improvements would include the installation of artificial turf fields, modernized lighting, refurbished track ovals and fencing.

Some residents who live closest to the schools have expressed a wide range of concerns over the proposal, regarding issues including environmental concerns, potential noise and property values.

Mayor James Barberio said the residents asked for a private meeting—uninvited residents and media are not allowed to attend—to talk through the issues.

Those permitted to attend the closed-door gathering reportedly received invitations via a direct phone call from the mayor.

Barberio said that among those invited are against the mayor and other officials in relation to Fields of Dreams. The accusation stems from the Ritters' contention that officials who are planning and promoting the project are the ones who ultimately decide what happens.

The mayor has said that there is no conflict.

He added that he is happy to sit down to clear the air with the Ritters and other residents. 

"They are concerned about their quality of life, and it's important for us to address what they're feeling," Barberio said.

"I want to have that dialogue," he said. "We have to look forward. What's the solution if Fields of Dreams goes through? People say we need curfews. What kind of curfew? People want to know, will nonresidents be allowed to use the fields? We're going to try to talk about all of it tonight."

Resident Robert Crawford, who told Patch he had not received an invite, said the meeting is a good thing.

"I, and others, will support the mayor's efforts to get the word out and we will connect with the hundreds of people who live in the vicinity of the PHS  and PHHS football fields to let them know about the upcoming meeting," he said. "Hopefully, the relatively short notice period will not prevent a number of concerned residents from attending."

Mayor Barberio said he expects that the next resident meeting on the topic will be a public gathering.