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04/12/2022 02:28 PMSince the announcement last month that the lighted basketball courts located at the Town Emergency Services Campus next to Exit 57 were going to be removed, a ground swell of support has arisen to try and save the courts from demolition. Weeks of protest and social media campaigns have only further entrenched the mindset in many Guilford residents that removing the courts would be detrimental to a swath of residents who cherish the playing courts.
However, there may be a potential resolution that, despite the seemingly intractable positions in the matter, could result in all parties being satisfied. Town officials would not confirm any details of a possible compromise, but there may be a avenue that would allow the courts to stay, and for the safety concerns of the Police and Fire departments to be addressed as well.
First Selectman Matt Hoey, who has himself used the courts with friends and family for decades, said he could not comment on whether some sort of deal had been reached as of yet, but did stress he was confident that a solution that would satisfy all parties is still possible. Hoey could confirm that a Task Force is in the process of being formed and will delve into possible alternatives for the removal plans.
“We are still in the formative stages of the task force. We are nowhere near making a final decision. We haven’t committed to architectural plans or drawings for the storage facility. And we are working closely with the architects and landscape engineers to determine alternatives to the original concept and we are also looking at alternatives into the total amount of space needed,” Hoey said.
The town has previously proposed several alternative sites including lighted courts at Bittner Park North, and also renovating the lighted courts at Adams Middle School, with the possible addition of another court at that site. However, the supporters have been adamant that they want to keep the courts where they are, as they have become a much used and beloved spot for recreational users from across the shorelines and for the various basketball leagues in town.
Richard Cordeiro, a basketball coach and frequent user of the courts and who is also a member of the online group Save The Courts, said the demolition of the site would be a terrible blow for the students he coaches and for the many users across the shoreline who have used the courts for more than two decades.
“These courts have been there for close to 25 years, so they have developed into a place where everybody comes to play. There are a few other courts in Guilford, but no one goes there to play full-court basketball,” said Cordeiro. “It’s such a great place for people to come and play, especially in the summer time. After work, after school, these courts are a great place where people feel safe and where their kids feel safe because of the location.”
As a coach, Cordeiro said the courts are critical for instruction and student use.
“Everyone comes to these courts specifically because there are two of them. A lot of the summer programs that coaches run, they run on these courts because we don’t have access to the inside courts at the schools, and it’s the only place where there’s two courts next to each other,” Cordeiro said. If you’re running a program where you’re trying to practice with 10, 15, 20 kids, they need two courts and this is the only place in town that has that accessibility and features. And also, it has lights.”
Supporters have been mounting a campaign of lawn signs, T-shirts, and social media coalitions to make their issue known and are united in their belief that the courts need to be protected and not moved from their current site.
According to supporters, the lighted courts provide later evening use that does not disrupt neighbors, as the site is right along I-95 and the light and associated noise don’t interfere with surrounding homes or businesses. Supporters also cite the lack of other available court times at the high school and the perception of safety the courts provide for users and parents being situated at the Police and Fire departments.
Both departments and the Board of Selectman initially seemed surprised at the ardor that was raised when word began to filter through social media that the courts were slated to be demolished and relocated.
They have responded with several meetings and lending an ear to resident concerns. Hoey in particular said he was very sensitive to the issue, as he uses the courts himself, and also admitting the town could have better notified residents of the potential relocation efforts that were being discussed.
Cordeiro said he and the Save The Courts group would be thrilled if a resolution could be found to keep the courts where they are.
“That would be awesome if the courts would remain there. That is what we have been hooping and aiming for. That would be a perfect solution,” Cordeiro said. “If that could happen-I think there would be a lot of happy and grateful people in Guilford.”