St. Ignace City Hall held a full audience during a public hearing for a proposed recreational paintball course atop Clay Hill at a regular City Council meeting Mon- day, November 6, however, a few members of the audience, who happen to live near Clay Hill, were opposed to the location of the course.

Phil Ruegg of St. Ignace proposes the commercial course for the city's Recreation Department, on city property. All money brought in by the course would go back into its operation, he said.

Because it was a public hearing, Council made no decisions on the matter. The issue will be discussed at the planning commission's next regular meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 29. A zoning variance must be obtained for the project to move forward, since the paintball course is a commercial business that would operate on zoned for residential use.

Most of those who spoke up at the hearing were concerned that the proposed paintball course on Boundary Road may devalue nearby property and bring more traffic to an area where young children play.

The course would be accessible by a two-track trail just off of Boundary Road, near South Airport Road. Mr. Ruegg has established an executive board to guide the project's development and already has designed plans for the course, which would include a parking lot. The city's Recreation Advisory Committee and Real Estate Committee recommend the development.

Mr. Ruegg said a 20-foot fence along the north side would shield parked cars and people and a 300- foot buffer will be maintained between the course and the nearest home. Several property owners said the area is used by residents for trail hikes or walking their dogs.

Boundary Road resident Darcy McLean said she is concerned for her property value, the poor condition of the road, and poor lighting in the area. She also believes a 20-foot fence is not attractive in a residential area.

"There are other places that the city recreation has," said Mrs. McLean. "I'm not in favor of this location."

Residents Elizabeth and Alan Turf agreed.

"The road is not made for that kind of traffic," said Mrs. Turf. "There's too many little, little kids around there. I don't want it there."

Mr. Ruegg said extra space at Silver Mountain already is in use by the disc golf course and there is not enough space at an open field owned by the school district near the high school.

He chose Clay Hill because it is an area where many youths go now to play and it has enough room and trees for a paintball course.

"This course would provide a safe place for kids to go," said Mr. Ruegg. "We plan to hold games once a week, where there will be a marked course, fencing, and referees to control the game. Right now, they are playing on an unsanctioned field."

Two residents spoke in favor of the idea to create a paintball course at Clay Hill.

"My concern is that these boys are playing out in the woods where there are hunters nearby," said Lisa Swope. "This would provide a safe place for them to go."

She also said it would give a boost to the local economy, attracting groups of avid participants in a growing sport.

Joe Snoweart, who lives near Boundary Road and enjoys paintball contests, also believes the local children need a safe place to play.

"There are kids up there now playing without [protective] masks and in unmarked areas," he said. "I have a son and I don't let him play there, though his friends do. It's unsafe with an unsanctioned field."

"I'm not trying to upset anyone," said Mr. Ruegg, "I'm just looking for a place for the kids to play."

If the city chooses to allow the operation of the paintball course at Clay Hill, the city will draft a lease between the city and the paintball board, said City Manager Eric Dodson, who stated that the paintball group will also insure the facility.