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Latino soccer league flourishes under the radar
After code scrutiny, city approves use with conditions
0610SOCCER
Robert Davis, a handyman in charge of groundskeeping and security at the soccer fields behind Gainesville Market on Shallowford Road, stands in front of a goal net Friday. Davis said a Hispanic soccer league packs the field on weekends during tournaments. - photo by Carlos Garlarza
A cluster of soccer fields behind Gainesville Market where Hispanic tournaments have been attracting a growing number of players and fans has been operating for years in an area not zoned for such use. After the growing recreational operation came under scrutiny from code enforcement, a principal with Gainesville Market LLC petitioned the city of Gainesville for a special use within General Business zoning classification. City officials earlier this week approved a petition presented by Keith Brown that would allow the Latino soccer league games to continue through a zoning change that allows for a commercial outdoor recreational facility.