Heated debates happening in Rankin over new ordinance that may interfere with sporting programs

RANKIN, Pa. — Community members say a new ordinance may stop a new basketball program, but not everyone agrees.

Sparks flew at the Rankin Council meeting.

“We’re talking about fees. Do you know how much money I spent? I didn’t ask for a dollar. Do you know how much money it costs? We can go into that,” said former NFL player Delrico Fletcher.

“I don’t know what the big uproar is all about. No one is trying to stop kids’ programs. Definitely not me,” said Rankin Council President William Price.

The passionate debate is over a new ordinance that regulates the Rankin Borough Athletic Field.

It calls for groups to apply, it sets hours of use, and it states that all organized groups must carry a $1 million liability insurance policy.

Pearl Hughey tells Channel 11 that could put a stop to one of the only free youth basketball programs in the area.

“This field and this basketball court have been vacant for many years. And for him to come back and offer his services to the youth in our community to me, I think is a wonderful thing,” Rankin Resident Pearl Hughey.

On June 29, not far from the court, William Dykes was shot and killed in broad daylight. County police are searching for the gunman. And those against the ordinance say they are offering that program to try and stop the bloodshed in the community.

“We walked through the palisades after the shooting two weeks ago. Kids were still playing with the crime tape that’s up. That’s what we’re dealing with,” said Fletcher.

We’re told the council passed the ordinance. But it’s not clear what this means for the group meeting on the weekend.

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