Southpointe Fieldhouse moving because of Southern Beltway

August 9, 2016

David Singer
Observer Reporter

A zoning change request Monday revealed Southpointe Fieldhouse and Fairfield Landscaping are being forced from their locations on Cecil-Henderson Road because of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s looming Southern Beltway project.

Cecil Township supervisors heard a request from Fairfield Southpointe LP to rezone a 12-acre lot at the rear of Reserve Drive next to Klinger Park from residential to commercial. The group’s attorney, Blane Volovich, said the aim was to move the existing recreational facilities of the fieldhouse from “one side of Cecil-Henderson Road to near the Southpointe entrances.”

Matt Giglotti, a coach and manager who opened the fieldhouse in 2009, said from the audience the turnpike project was the reason for the zoning request and proposed move. Reached by phone Tuesday, he said turnpike officials were planning to reveal a more detailed schedule Thursday, and he’s planning to have the facility moved by the end of 2017.

“We’re trying to prepare as soon as possible a rebuild,” Giglotti said.

The state Turnpike Commission plans to begin work in late 2016 on the section of the Southern Beltway that will connect Route 22 in Robinson Township to Interstate 79 in Cecil Township, with the project expected to be completed by early 2020. The last segment, which will continue the highway to the Mon-Fayette Expressway, is still being planned.

A neighboring business, Fairfield Landscaping, is also preparing for a move. Business manager Lisa LaVelle said the business is trying to stay close to its original spot at 102 Cecil-Henderson Road.

State Turnpike Commission spokesman Carl DeFebo confirmed the two businesses are moving, but did not have an immediate timeline.

Cecil supervisors did not vote on any action at the zoning hearing.

Staff writer Luke Campbell contributed to this report.