Mega Sports complex gains support during public forum

A proposal for a new mega sports complex received support from residents during a monday evening forum in downtown Gadsden to seek input on the proposal.    Most of the speakers monday at the Pittman Theatre said  a facility for sports such as softball, baseball and soccer was needed and would be an economic boost for the area.  Heather Brothers New, president of The Chamber of Gadsden & Etowah County and chair of the Etowah County Mega Sports Complex Authority, told about 35 people at the forum that the authority hosted the event to get public input after she received a number of calls and emails about the proposed facility.

She said the authority, which is researching the issue, will have three task forces: one to look at “best practices” and what sports should be included, another to look at potential locations and another to look at funding sources.  While residents support the idea, many said that tax money should not be used to finance the project.