Mr. Kroger shared that the applicant is John Kopilchack on behalf of RCR Holdings, LLC (Russell Total Wealth and Wellness) and the request is to amend the current Sugar Camp/Pointe Oakwood Master Plan for the installation of a sports court (pickleball) at the existing site located at 1 Russell Place. The proposed pickleball court will be located on the south side of the property between the existing building and W. Schantz Avenue. The pickleball court will be located approximately 76 feet from the public right-of-way on W. Schantz Avenue and 138 feet from the east property line bordering the homes in Pointe Oakwood. The proposed pickleball court will be roughly 880 square feet, which is standard pickleball court size, however, the overall surface will be 1,800 square feet to allow for baselines and sidelines. A 10’ tall chain-link fence will enclose the court. Mr. Kroger noted that chain-link fences are permitted up to 15 feet in height around public or private tennis courts. The pickleball court will feature lighting to illuminate the court. The lighting will be mounted on four poles within the fenced area surrounding the pickleball court. The proposed pickleball court will be heavily screened with vegetation to obstruct the view from neighboring businesses and residential properties.

On September 4, 2024, the Planning Commission recommended Council approval of Application #24-6, to amend the current Sugar Camp/ Pointe Oakwood Master Plan for the installation of a sports court (pickleball) at the existing site located at 1 Russell Place under the following conditions:

1. The hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
2. The applicant must work with city staff to develop a lighting plan to ensure the lighting is installed no higher than 12’ and look into using a timer for the lighting.
3. The applicant must restrict the use of the pickleball courts to Russell Total Wealth and Wellness employees, existing clients and potential clients.

Mr. Stephens asked how the lighting would be directed.

Mr. Kroger shared that the applicant is working with city staff to develop a lighting plan, but the lighting will point downward toward the court.

Mayor Duncan invited the applicant to speak.

Mr. Parker, Synergy Building Systems, said that Mr. Kroger provided a detailed summary of the project. He confirmed that the lighting will point downward toward the pickleball court.

Mayor Duncan opened the public hearing.

Dr. Gregory Semon, 151 Pointe Oakwood Way, shared that he is a professor at Wright State University, a trauma surgeon, and serves as vice president and secretary of the Pointe Oakwood Homeowners Association. He is concerned about the proposed proximity of the court to the Pointe Oakwood neighborhood. The impact of a pickleball ball on a hard racket makes a popping sound that can be heard hundreds of feet from the courts, much more than the impact of a tennis ball on a tennis racket. He believes the proposed pickleball court will decrease property values and create legal fights. Dr. Semon provided City Council with a noise assessment commissioned in 2023 in Centennial, Colorado containing an in-depth analysis of the noise pollution created by pickleball courts. As a result, Centennial, Colorado legislated that pickleball courts are not allowed within 250 feet of a residential property. Pointe Oakwood residents have significant concerns. The community has already experienced a significant increase in noise pollution and traffic due to the construction of Lane Stadium. The unique topography of Lane Stadium causes a tunnel effect making sporting events very loud inside homes along the hillside of Pointe Oakwood. He stated that the Pointe Oakwood Homeowners Association asks City Council to take no further action on this application, and at a minimum request a noise impact study by an outside firm that is acceptable to the Homeowners Association.

Mrs. Turben asked Dr. Semon if the Colorado assessment involved multiple pickleball courts or a single court.

Dr. Semon said that he believes it was multiple courts.

Mayor Duncan asked if the Homeowners Association attended the September 4 Planning Commission meeting.

Dr. Semon said he does not recall getting a notice about the meeting.

Mayor Duncan asked if landscape screening is addressed in the report.

Mr. Kroger said that the applicant is proposing extensive landscape screening.