Domes Over Tennis Courts Draws Concerns from Avon Oaks Neighbors

Avon Planning Coordinator Jim Piazza said Avon Oaks Country Club was requesting to put an air-dome over four of the six outdoor tennis courts that would allow for year-round tennis.

“It would be similar to the (concept) of the Bo Jackson facility,” Piazza said at the Aug. 5 council meeting of the much larger air-dome that will be over the Bo Jackson facility coming to Avon.

Avon Oaks request to put in a dome over tennis courts was met with resistance from neighboring residential property owners.

Patrick McNamara, whose property abuts Avon Oaks was one of several neighbors who objected to the proposed 32-foot high dome that would allow year-round tennis.  

The noise from the generator, Piazza said, would not exceed 65 decibels. A normal conversation reaches 61 decibels.

“We’re worried about our property values going down,” McNamara said. “Avon Oaks didn’t even bother coming over…we’re supposed to be neighbors.”

McNamara said he was trying to get information. “We’re trying to avoid a big problem.”

After saying he loved the city, he said if council was to tell him this wasn’t going to affect his home values, “I’m going to tell you you’re nuts.”

McNamara said in the winter the courts are visible.

Neighbor David Maxwell said he expected an 8 to 12 percent reduction in his property value based on an analysis. 

“Were not going to have a structure take that away from us,” he said, noting that the structure will be clearly visible in the winter.

He expressed concern that the tops of trees could blow off and damage the structure.

Mayor Jim Smith said that several companies have looked at that property and it could be feasible that a housing development could be built, including homes with air-conditioners much closer.

“The only reason no one moved in because there wasn’t a sewer system,” Smith said, noting the sewers are now in.

Councilman Dennis McBride said generators were “typically higher than 65” decibels.