EFFINGHAM - Jeff Clausius of Effingham isn't necessarily against Effingham's proposed 82,000-square-foot sports complex; he's just not sure he wants it in his backyard.

"I have some real concerns," Clausius told the Effingham Planning Commission on Tuesday night. "I'm concerned about protecting my property values, and I'm concerned about the safety of my family."

The commission recommended the city council approve the location for the sports center near Interstate 70 and the current city outdoor pool complex. The issue now goes before the Effingham City Council.

Clausius and other residents of the Katrina Subdivision told the commission that the sports complex, with its adjacent parking areas and soccer fields, would take away their privacy and that the city's plan for a 6-foot vinyl fence separating the properties wouldn't be enough.

"That's a two-story building with an elevated track," Clausius said. "It will look right down into my backyard."

Clausius said he also feared that the influx of people at the sports center could put his three young children at risk.

"Unfortunately, all these tournaments and events that you're saying will come with the sports center could cause other problems," he said. "A sex offender driving through Effingham could see the cars and the kids and decide to stop, and that could put my kids at risk."

Hank Stephens, who has shepherded the sports complex project from the initial concept, said the facility, with its swimming pools, ice rink, sports floors and soccer fields would be an enhancement to the area.

That didn't appease some residents, including Scott Pena.

"I'm worried about it becoming a hangout after hours with kids on skateboards and loud music," he said. "If our property values go down that will hurt the city in the amount of property taxes they collect. I think you need to look at the long haul."

Sharon Mosley can be reached at sharonhrnews@yahoo.com.