Light project dimmed, but not forgotten

Earlier this month trustees said “lights out” to plans for installing lights on ball diamond No. 4 this summer.

“There is virtually no support at the Board level for this project so it was tabled,” said trustee Eric Morr. The cost estimate had been $30,000 over the budgeted amount of $150,000. Instead, the $150,000 will be applied to offset higher than projected costs for making 2010 street improvements.

The push to make that diamond Forsyth’s fifth lighted field came from members of the Parks & Recreation Committee which Morr chairs. Committee members worked to gather bids and to document field usage. The goal was to provide an area that would meet Illinois High School Association lighting standards. Proponents said the diamond is suitable for high school and junior legion baseball teams, but is under used because it does not have lights to allow double header games that extend into the evening hours.

Trustee Jeff Allsup said he supports baseball, but his priorities rest with Village “...projects that are not 100 percent funded ... it’s not a good year [for lights].” Street upgrades, a community center and the senior program were among his list of underfunded projects, but he said he was willing to reconsider the lighting request once funds became available.

That sentiment was echoed by trustees Bob Rasho and Marilyn Johnson.

“We need a sidewalk to the new grade school,” she said.

Morr said the committee will revisit the diamond No. 4 lighting project at a later time if a surplus exists at the end of the fiscal year. “I still hope to accomplish [lights] in this budget year,” he said.