City to consider Manning Field surcharges

LYNN -In an effort to maintain the all-new Manning Field, which is nearing completion, a possible ticket surcharge and/or parking fee is being discussed to pay for its upkeep.
The exact amount has yet to be determined, but city officials said it could range anywhere between 10 cents or 50 cents.
Lynn Police Deputy Chief Kevin Coppinger, who is also chairman of the Manning Field Commission, said the possibility of a surcharge has been discussed for close to a year.
?It?s really just a thought at the moment, no specifics just yet,” he said. “We?re going to meet again later this month (Aug. 20) and make a decision to forward the suggestion on to the Stadium Commission.
Coppinger, who also sits on the Stadium Commission, said the Manning Field Commission, an advisory committee for the project appointed by Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr., will be disbanded once construction is complete.
?We were basically formed to follow the design and construction and we have no authority for the surcharge, so it will be decided on by the Stadium Commission,” he said. “But we don?t want the field in 20 years to look like the Bowl did five years ago, so it?s our recommendation for a proactive fund.”
Coppinger said user fees are already being charged to outside groups using the field, such as the North Shore Generals, but the surcharge would be completely separate.
?This money would not be able to be used by the Police Department or any other city agency,” he said. “Just for the area to be maintained.”
Clancy said he supports the proposed surcharge.
The long-awaited project is nearing completion, according to Inspectional Services director Michael Donovan, who originally slated it to be finished July 1.
Last minute details and the field?s parking lot are reportedly in the final stages.
In 2005, the former Manning Bowl was demolished to make way for a new state of the art stadium at a price tag of nearly $10 million.