By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – The idea of a multi-sports complex in Bloomington-Normal is not winning over rural residents, according to the McLean County Board’s vice chairman.

Republican Jim Soeldner of Ellsworth also represents eastern McLean County as a board member in District 2.

“This is probably one issue that I’ve gotten more input from the people in my district than on anything in a long time,” said Soeldner.

“That includes wind farms, and solar farms, and everything,” he added.

A consultant’s study found the Twin-Cities can support an indoor-outdoor sports complex, with as many as 21 multi-purpose playing fields, at an estimated cost of $43.6 million.

Soeldner would not be surprised if the county board is asked someday to help fund the complex. Soeldner said the answer is probably no, considering county government rejected the idea of helping fund the $47,000 cost of the consultant’s report.

“There’s no doubt that there will be revenue from sales tax and from people staying in town, and everything else in town they would do, but I think that number is going to be relatively small,” said Soeldner.

Last month, Normal Town Council member Kathleen Lorenz said a sports complex is the only economic development opportunity in the area right now that would generate revenue. She added that private investment would be needed to help pay for the project.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected].