County Commissioners May Hold Off on Soccer Field Decision

The Concorde Fire Soccer Club may get its wish next Tuesday if the Board of Commissioners vote to defer the club's request for a Special Land Use Permit.

Concorde's attorney Kathy Zickert, said Concorde requested a deferral to further explain to neighbors her client's desire to transform 12 acres of land zoned residential into three soccer fields, a 4,376-square-foot clubhouse and 150 parking spaces, while attempting to address concerns from outraged community members.

Bob Lundsten, chief of staff for Commissioner Elaine Boyer, said Tuesday that it is likely Boyer will vote in favor of the deferral.

"She's been so involved in budget meetings that she hasn't had time to review the traffic or environmental studies on the proposal," Lundsten said. "I can't say for sure how she will vote, but she's extremely aware of the concerns."

On Sunday, dozens of residents in the neighborhoods near the Johnson Ferry Road property gathered at the to express concerns about the proposal. They have for months been vocal about the issues of noise, traffic and the potential negative environmental impact the project could cause due to issues of flooding and tree removal.

Proponents of the plan said the community would benefit from the development while giving the club's players a permanent place to play soccer. According to the club's website, players use fields on Ashford-Dunwoody Road at Nancy Creek, next to , Ridgeview Middle School, Ocee Elementary School, and State Bridge Crossing Elementary School, as well as other North Metro Atlanta locations.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet on the issue on July 26.