At its July 29 meeting, Summit Common Council voted to adopt an amended resolution to accept privately raised funds toward the installation of lights at Lower Tatlock Field. Earlier in the evening, the Council also approved a capital bond ordinance that includes $650,000 for the installation of lights at Upper Tatlock Field.
The amended resolution, which differs from the version included in the publicly posted council packet, clarifies that the donated funds may be used for both Lower Tatlock and, if additional funds are raised, to help defray the cost of lighting Upper Tatlock as well. Click here to view the amended resolution that was officially adopted.
“This is a win for the youth of Summit,” said Mayor Elizabeth Fagan. “With this vote, the Council clearly showed their support for this project.”
Councilmember Kevin Smallwood noted the potential for cost savings if both lighting installations could proceed concurrently, estimating a savings of approximately $100,000.
The topic of field lighting has generated considerable public discussion over recent months, particularly among residents living in the vicinity of Tatlock Field who have expressed concerns about traffic, noise, and quality of life. In response, the City formed the Tatlock Neighborhood Committee, a group of stakeholders tasked with identifying and addressing issues raised by neighbors.
At the conclusion of the July 29 meeting, Councilmember Bob Pawlowski provided an update on the committee’s progress and reaffirmed the City’s intent to continue engaging with the community. “The decision on lighting was not an easy one,” said Pawlowski. “But I believe it is in the best interest of the community as a whole. The committee has already made progress, and we remain committed to listening to resident concerns and implementing thoughtful solutions.”
Tatlock Neighborhood Committee Update
Recent actions and ongoing efforts of the Tatlock Neighborhood Committee include:
Improved Coordination: A direct communication line with the high school athletic department ensures that event schedules are shared in advance, allowing the Summit Police Department to post “No Parking” signage in a timely manner.
Game Scheduling Awareness: With the release of the fall football schedule, the committee is working to plan proactively for high-attendance events.
Bus Management: Written instructions are now provided to visiting team bus drivers to improve drop-off and parking logistics.
Visitor Side Traffic Flow: Options under consideration include curb adjustments and the installation of permeable pavers to allow designated bus parking for 2–3 vehicles.
Enforcement and Safety: Parking enforcement is being strengthened, and the City is exploring a Sight Triangle Ordinance to enhance pedestrian visibility and safety.
Cleanliness and Maintenance: The sanitation schedule is under review to ensure more frequent clean-up following large events.
Infrastructure Repairs: The Aubrey Street gate has been repaired, and new “Authorized Vehicles Only” signage has been added.
Field Access Control: Once construction of the new lacrosse wall is complete, the adjoining gate will be locked to limit unauthorized access to the Tatlock parking lot.
Gazebo Lighting: A planned gazebo as part of the lacrosse wall will feature lighting on a timer system to prevent disruption to nearby homes.
Tatlock Playground: While bids for playground upgrades came in over budget, the City is exploring supplemental fundraising opportunities to close the funding gap.
Councilmember Pawlowski emphasized that the committee’s work is ongoing and will continue to meet with neighbors to mitigate concerns.