UPDATE: Construction on Rochester’s highly anticipated sports and recreation complex is racing ahead, with an updated contract set to be signed within days. City Administrator Alison Zelms confirmed that the $28 million amendment for Knutson Construction has been approved by the Rochester City Council as of December 8, 2023, and reaffirmed with a veto override on December 22.
The approval comes as the city has already allocated $52.2 million for construction, having spent nearly $8 million on land acquisition and site planning. Zelms stated that the fully executed contract will commit essential funds for construction and material purchases, paving the way for significant progress on the project.
However, urgency looms as Rochester lawmakers threaten to introduce legislation to revoke authorization for the Local Option Sales Tax, which funded the project with $65 million. These lawmakers argue that the complex does not align with voters’ expectations, claiming the budget does not cover the costs of the originally proposed facilities.
In a recent statement, lawmakers including Sen. Liz Boldon and Rep. Kim Hicks expressed their concerns, emphasizing that “Rochester residents deserve to get what they paid and voted for.” They contend that the updated plan serves only a narrow set of interests and neglects the community’s need for indoor recreation space.
As the city pushes forward, an operator’s agreement with California-based Sports Academy is also on the horizon. Expected to be finalized in early January, the agreement will include approximately $803,000 in management compensation for the first year, with potential earnings projected to reach $1 million in subsequent years.
Construction is scheduled to begin at a site near St. Bridgets Road and 45th Street Southeast in April 2024. While Zelms assures that plans are in motion, she cannot speculate on how potential legislative actions could hinder the project. “We are not aware of a legal basis to reverse a voter-approved local options sales tax project,” she stated.
The city collected roughly $15.4 million in 2024 through the sales tax extension, and if the current rate holds, the authorized $205 million could be fully collected in just 14 years. This funding also supports various community initiatives, including $50 million for economic vitality and street reconstruction.
As the situation unfolds, city officials are collaborating with local organizations to address community concerns about access to sports and recreation. They are working closely with Rochester Community and Technical College to enhance programming and explore options for additional indoor space.
With the clock ticking, residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed on the latest developments surrounding this pivotal project. The outcome of the legislative discussions could significantly impact both the funding and the scope of the sports complex, making it a critical moment for the city of Rochester.
