Village of Greendale officials and the owner of The Rock Sports Complex say negotiations between them have made “significant progress” in discussions to address concerns about the impact of ballpark lights on neighbors.
As a result, The Rock is moving ahead with plans for the skiing season and village officials say they will recommend Village Board approval of a special use permit for the sports complex.
The Rock Sports Complex is a multi-sport complex at the former Crystal Ridge ski hill site at South 76th Street and Loomis Road. The property lies in Franklin and Greendale.
Some Greendale residents complained about lights from baseball fields that were added at The Rock this year. In an attempt to address those concerns, village officials refused to approve a special use permit for the property, which threatened The Rock’s plans for this year’s skiing season.
However, in a news release Wednesday, the village, The Rock and Milwaukee County officials said they have agreed on a tree-planting plan to reduce the impact of lights for residents on 76th Street.
“We are pleased with the progress that we have made and look forward to contining to work with The Rock for the benefit of the community,” said Greendale village manager Todd Michaels.
“Greendale recognizes the significant economic impact of The Rock Sports Complex within the ongoing success and growth of the 76th Street business corridor,” said Village President John Hermes. “Our village has worked productively and cooperatively with all involved parties to mitigate and minimize as many of our residents’ concerns as possible.”
“This completes the last request from the village of Greendale, and moves us forward toward final approval, so that The Rock’s expanded snow park will open this winter as planned,” said Michael Zimmerman, owner and CEO of The Rock.
Season passes for The Rock’s snow park will go on sale immediately.
The village Plan Commission will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 30, and the Village Board will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 5, to consider approval of a special use permit for The Rock.
