The College recently announced its intention to build a new artificial-turf athletic field in a different location than it had previously planned, following a local controversy about the original site.
Residents who lived near the patch of land originally slated for the project complained of potential traffic and lighting problems.
Although College officials considered several new sites, including one near the Hanover Co-op Food Store, they eventually selected a location adjacent to a wetland and near the original Tyler Road space, according to College Athletic Director Dick Jaeger.
The artificial-turf field is designed to have less surface run-off from precipitation than the existing grass field.
The turf will enable the athletic department to simply plow any snow and precipitation off the field, allowing athletes to start practicing as early as February 1 each winter, Jaeger previously told The Dartmouth.
Jaeger said yesterday this new plan requires approval from the town zoning board.
The field, to be used for lacrosse and field hockey, will not disturb the wetland, which Jaeger described as "a drainage ditch" near "the corner of the field."
Tim McNamara, a consultant representing the College, told the Valley News the field will be made of "knitted nylon product" that will not affect the environment.
Some local residents said they still have concerns about the project.
Resident Fred Crory said he wants "to make sure it complies with zoning ordinances that apply to athletic fields."
Crory explained that the town planning board "is waiting for the judge to rule one way or the other on the rugby case."
This case will affect the possibility of the College declaring all "future buildings as educational," Crory said. Claiming that any building it constructs is for educational purposes would allow the College "to build on the golf course," Crory said.
Crory also fears "more buildings in outdoor recreation areas" will make open spaces appear "cluttered."
Jaeger explained the decision to find another site by saying that trying to "persevere" by fighting the concerned local residents would take a long time and be more difficult.
Still, current lighting technology is good enough to "not spill into the neighborhood," Jaeger said. "I think we could have put [the field] in its original location, but it would be a lot of trouble" Jaeger continued.
