The city of Albert Lea has concerns over the proposed layout of Albert Lea Area School’s Hammer Complex update.

Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams said the city is concerned the school’s parking lot at the new complex would only hold about 250 vehicles, far less than the approximately 500 parking spaces in the parking lot at the former athletic complex.

The city said the school could use grass north of the parking lot during heavily attended events and requested the district use the Hammer Road exit from the main parking lot during those events.

“Have two exits — one out on Bridge and one out on Hammer —  so kind of dual flow for large events only, “ Adams said after the meeting. “For small events, it’s fine for everybody to go out on Bridge.”

Councilors tabled approving a conditional use permit for the facility so the concerns can be addressed before the Dec. 10 meeting.

Addressing the council, Albert Lea school district Director of Facilities Steve Anderson told the council school officials factored in safety when deciding against using the Hammer Road exit more after games.

“Kids come flying around here 35 miles an hour,” he said. “The traffic, the players coming out — we just don’t think it’s safe that way.”

Motorists who are not able to park at the complex will be able to at Albert Lea High School, something Anderson said is consistent with the city’s Blue Zones status.

Fifth Ward Councilor Robert Rasmussen questioned how the elderly would be able to walk from the high school to the complex.

Anderson said there will be handicapped parking spaces available at the complex and people will be able to be dropped off.

Albert Lea voters approved a $24.61 million referendum for the complex in May along with updates to Halverson Elementary School and Albert Lea High School. The updated Hammer Complex is expected to include a turf football field; softball, baseball and soccer field work and softball complex; bleachers and concessions stand and field house.

Adams expressed concern about the safety of pedestrians walking west of the high school building. Anderson said the school plans to place a median and a crosswalk there and noted motorists should exit the high school east of the building onto Y.H. Hanson Avenue.

After the meeting, Adams expressed confidence the city’s concerns will be addressed.

“We have had a number of items that we’ve had some questions on that have been resolved fairly quickly,” he said.

Councilors did approve a conditional use permit for the construction of a gymnasium at Halverson Elementary School.

The existing gym at Halverson is expected to be demolished. The school plans to upgrade the west entrance and the offices in that part of the building. Additional parking spots are proposed in a school parking lot.

Sixth Ward Councilor Al “Minnow” Brooks noted he attended school at Halverson from the late 1950s to the early 1960s.

“I’m ready for some work down there,” he said.