Soccer field lights spark heated debate
"I know there are a few people here to disturb the meeting. It's not going to happen," he told the overflowing audience Wednesday night at St. Basil The Great College Catholic School.
But critics accused Mammoliti of failing to notify residents about the proposed lights, which they say will lower their property values and disrupt the enjoyment of their homes.
One 30-year resident of Florida Crescent, which backs on to the park behind the Carmine Stefano Community Centre at Weston Road and Sheppard Avenue, said nobody he knows has discussed the lights with Mammoliti.
"If you had called a meeting when the money was approved, even with Florida residents, you could have avoided this," he said.
"Bulldozing only helps with large piles of dirt and horse manure and we're being bulldozed."
Meanwhile, those in the divided audience who support the lights pleaded with opponents to think of the best interest of children playing soccer on the field.
The property is owned by the Toronto chapter of the Ukrainian Basilian Fathers, who lease it to the city. The lease expires in November 2009 but Mammoliti hopes to renew the lease.
"Let's put our differences aside," said Michael Stefano, son of community leader Carmine Stefano who founded the area's children's soccer league.
"Let's make the right decision for the kids. Let's give them the future they deserve, the future we have built for them."
Some parents also pleaded for the lights, including a mother who is worried about the community centre closing and leaving her handicapped son without the programs he enjoys.
Another mother of a child in rep soccer said she is "saddened and disappointed."
"Let's not be selfish. Let's meet half way so our kids can actually be proud of this community," she said.
However, much of the debate saw opponents face off against Mammoliti, who accused several of his critics of not only fighting the lights but wanting to get rid of the soccer games that have attracted 1,000 children annually for the last nine years.
But opponents insist they aren't trying to end the soccer games and are angry Mammoliti is suggesting the community centre will be forced to close if the floodlights aren't installed.
They are also furious they only found out about the lights when construction began in mid-January, accusing Mammoliti of failing to inform the community.
Nick DiNizio got into several heated exchanges with Mammoliti. He read a letter from a city official which said the councillor had chosen not to hold a meeting about the lights with residents.
"Don't misinform people," DiNizio told the councillor.
Mammoliti listed several public meetings over the years in which the lights were discussed and suggested he can't be blamed if Canada Post failed to deliver notices to residents.
However, he conceded he should have held a meeting with residents specifically about the lights when the $500,000 funding was approved last year.
But at the same time, he said the lights had always been part of the city's plans for the field.
"You've slapped me (for not holding a meeting on the lights) but the reality is we've just spent $500,000 on lights. They're in a warehouse and they're ready to go," he said, adding the underground conduit for the hydro wires has already been installed.
Mammoliti also wants to work with a developer and the school board to establish a new community centre in the neighbourhood, which would be owned rather than leased by the city.
Meanwhile, he assured the residents the lights would be turned off between 9 and 9:30 p.m. and said he's willing to discuss keeping them turned off on weekends.
Meanwhile, he promised the field would be used for children's soccer only despite rumours adults or even a semi-professional league would use the facilities.
