July 7, 2025

Clinton City Council Votes on Youth Baseball Complex

News Summary

The Clinton City Council is set to vote on an ordinance facilitating the development of a major youth baseball complex on July 7. This site, located on the former Whitten Center property, involves a sale of 552.72 acres to ARK Management One Corporation. The complex will include 13 turf fields catering to various age groups and aims to replicate successful models of youth sports complexes. Additionally, over 200 homes and multiple hotels and restaurants are planned, promising to boost the local economy significantly.

Clinton – The Clinton City Council is scheduled to cast a decisive vote on July 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM regarding the second and final reading of an ordinance to facilitate the development of a major youth baseball complex on the site of the former Whitten Center property. This follows a unanimous vote from the council during the ordinance’s first reading last week.

The council’s initiative involves the sale of 552.72 acres of land adjacent to I-26 and Hwy. 72 to ARK Management One Corporation at a price of $2,500 per acre. This development is anticipated to transform the area into a bustling hub for youth baseball activities, complete with facilities designed to accommodate various age groups.

To ensure that the project progresses timely, a repurchase agreement is included in the sale, permitting the city to buy back the property if construction does not commence within 15 months. However, developer John Suter may seek an extension to this deadline, potentially extending it to 24 months. He has indicated that the engineering phase of the project and securing funding could take approximately seven months.

The proposed complex is set to feature 13 turf fields, with five designated for younger players aged 12 and under, and eight for older players aged 13 and above. This facility aims to replicate the successful model of LakePoint Sports in Emerson, Georgia, which is known for attracting significant youth sports tournaments and events.

In addition to the baseball fields, the development plans include over 200 homes priced around $450,000, as well as the establishment of three hotels and several restaurants. Chad Webb, the owner of Elite Baseball Academy, has pointed out that the complex could host tournaments that may draw up to 120 teams over the course of 38 weekends each year. This influx of visitors is expected to positively impact the local economy.

Mayor Randy Randall expressed optimism regarding the project, suggesting that it will provide substantial benefits for the Clinton community through recreational opportunities and economic growth.

During the upcoming meeting on July 7, in addition to the baseball complex vote, the City Council will honor Crystal Roberts, who is retiring after 25 years of service. The agenda will also include discussions on a community assistance grant, a memorandum of understanding with the YMCA, and a resolution concerning the Catawba Purchase Power Renewal Agreement.

Furthermore, the council will consider a proposed ordinance aimed at temporarily suspending Sunday Sales Prohibitions within Clinton, a move that may facilitate business operations in the city.

The meeting will take place in the P.S. Bailey City Council Chambers at the M. S. Bailey Municipal Center, located at 211 N. Broad Street. Residents and interested parties are encouraged to attend to support the initiatives that aim to enrich the community and expand recreational opportunities for youth.