Council backs ruling against lights for football

The City Council voted 4-2 to uphold the Planning Commission's denial of half of 21 requests made by the 255-student private high school.

"I thought they would reject the lights, but I thought they would approve the rest of the issues," Cascade High Principal Richard Long said after the meeting.

Cascade Christian's next step is to talk to an attorney, Long says. The school may bring a request back to the council in the fall, Long said.

Cascade also can appeal to the state Land Use Board of Appeals.

The most controversial part of Cascade's plans has been the building of five, 60-foot stadium light poles. Cascade withdrew two other debated requests, to build a press box and filming platform and to add a fourth set of bleachers.

Also at issue is attendance at games. The Planning Commission limited Cascade to about 600 people, based on the size of the school parking lot. Cascade requested 1,000.

Cascade High football coach Andy Maurer said earlier Tuesday the school has to play football at night because that's when Southern Cascade League games are scheduled. Cascade plays its games at the Veterans Affairs Domiciliary in White City. The school's softball team plays during the day at school.

"We still would like to play football at Cascade," Maurer said. "On Friday night, that's what America does, play football," he said.

"Since it's been done everywhere in America, I'm not that concerned that we can't prove it won't ruin the city of Jacksonville."

The City Council Tuesday made a few changes in the Planning Commission's March 10 decision. They include:

Dropping one of two hedges required to shield neighboring houses from headlights, as the school won't be playing football at night. Cascade had asked to build fences instead of hedges because they are more durable and require less upkeep, Long said.

Granting permission for the school to work with city staff in designing a backstop for the softball field and a five-step staircase to the athletic field.

Waiving the requirement that Cascade landscape the corner of D and Eighth streets because the city planted trees in this area.

The City Council also agreed with the Planning Commission that the city can continue with its option of using Cascade parking lots and the athletic field during the summer.

The City Council's decision ends eight months of hearings, some drawing 30 speakers and hundreds of letters written by neighbors, parents and others.

"The applicant's job was to argue the criteria," Councilman Bill Leep said after the meeting.

"That's the litmus test," he said.