Homestead Moves Forward With Negotiations for $8.9 Million Harris Field Project

The Homestead City Council has directed the city manager to negotiate a full contract with VSGS Facilities, known as Sports Performance Hub, following a workshop discussion about proposed improvements to Harris Field Park.

The proposal calls for approximately $8.9 million in privately funded improvements to the stadium and two training fields.

Planned improvements include synthetic turf, lighting, seating, locker rooms, restrooms, concessions and other amenities.

Mayor Steven Losner said council members raised some concerns during the discussion but ultimately determined that negotiations should move forward.

Losner believes the proposed arrangement will benefit Homestead.

Under the terms discussed during the workshop, the city would retain ownership of the property and improvements, while the operator would receive a limited-use license for an initial 10-year term, with two additional 10-year renewal options.

The proposed agreement would provide the operator with 40 event days annually and reserved weekday use from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

High school football would continue to receive scheduling priority, and the city would retain scheduling and operational control outside the operator's designated periods, subject to specified restrictions and approval requirements.

The operator would be responsible for maintenance, repairs and replacement of covered facilities and would maintain a $100,000 capital reserve.

The company would retain revenue generated through its authorized activities without making revenue-sharing payments to the city.

According to the proposed schedule, stadium improvements would be completed by April 1, 2027, while improvements to the training fields would be phased in afterward.

Final conversion of the south training field to synthetic turf is proposed for completion by June 1, 2029.

The proposed terms also address expenses associated with community use. The city would remain responsible for janitorial costs during community events and park staffing outside the operator's periods of use.

If the city terminated the agreement without cause, it would be required to reimburse the operator for its documented, unamortized investment, calculated over a 30-year period with adjustments based on the useful life of field surfaces.

The project would bring significant changes to Harris Field, a facility used by local schools and the Homestead community.

However, the council's direction to negotiate does not constitute final approval of a completed contract. The full agreement must still be negotiated before the proposed arrangement can be finalized.