MAYVILLE - Construction of a two-story service building will begin shortly at Gravit's Field baseball park with completion of the 18-by-20-foot facility expected before winter.
The new building was the subject of a 55-minute public hearing held before a recent Village Board meeting. Following the hearing, a majority of board members were in favor of construction, 3-2, with a formal vote to be taken later. Mayor Marty Bova said the construction was, "a done deal."
In June, Bova suggested a public hearing when neighbors of the ballfield raised concerns about parking, crowds and noise. Darel Webb, president of Mayville's youth baseball league, addressed those issues during the hearing. Regarding parking and crowds, Webb said only one game will be held each evening except for weekends, when as many as three contests might be scheduled. He said the present parking lot should be adequate.
Noise from the planned public address system shouldn't bother neighbors, Webb said, because the amplifier is 15 watts and the two speakers will be aimed at the bleachers.
Neighbors like Scott Thomas asked questions and seemed satisfied with the responses. Thomas, for example, asked about security lighting for the new building and was told the lights will be pointed down so as to minimize glare. Webb pointed to drawings of the building while assuring neighbors.
"It's going to look very nice," he said. "It's a pretty small building."
Webb said the facility will help the park host various out-of-town youth baseball events, such as a youth baseball 11-12 year-old All-Star tournament in 2013. That tournament will mean a game every day for two weeks to determine the finalists, Webb said.
Robert Doughty, a Mayville youth baseball coach, said the building was necessary to make Mayville competitive with other communities. Webb said Mayville was the only community in the area which doesn't have a permanent concession stand and permanent restrooms at its baseball field.
Regarding cost, Webb said the building expenses are going to be met by donations and by the local youth baseball league.