South Portland residents voted Tuesday to approve a natural grass field for their high school’s athletic complex by a decisive margin of 54 percent in favor to 46 percent opposed.
In parallel, a resounding 73 percent opposed the alternative of an artificial turf field which only 23 percent supported.
Unlike last year’s substantially more costly proposal, voters had the choice between a $4.6 million natural grass field and a $5.5 million synthetic turf field. Both projects included a new track, new lighting and permanent bathrooms.
Voters were able to cast their ballots in support of one, both, or neither of these options.
[RELATED: South Portland Residents to Vote on Multi-Million Dollar Athletic Complex Project This November]
Had both options passed with majority support, the City of South Portland would have moved forward with the option that garnered the most votes.
Last November, South Portland voters rejected a $12.3 million for the “design, construction, and equipping of improvements to the South Portland High School athletic stadium complex.”
Despite approving a combined $4 million for maintenance and improvements at the City’s public schools, 56 percent of those who participated in the election were not supportive of the athletic complex proposal.
The rejection of this proposal came just weeks after residents throughout the City were shocked to receive significantly higher property tax bills as a result of revaluations that were conducted earlier that year.
[RELATED: South Portland Residents Passionately Address Property Tax Concerns at City Council Meeting]
Estimates provided by the South Portland School Department indicate that South Portland taxpayers could expect to pay an additional $19.90 to $46.44 in the first year of the twenty-year bond for the natural grass field, while it was estimated to cost between $23.45 and $54.71 for the synthetic turf bond
In an interview with the Portland Press Herald, South Portland High School athletic director Todd Livingston explained that the debate between natural and artificial turf has been ongoing.
While supporters of a synthetic turf field have emphasized its versatility and durability, including in inclement weather, those who hoped to see the City install a natural grass field raised concerns over exposure to toxic chemicals, as well as the environmental impact and higher price tag of artificial turf.
