The Hanover Planning Board conditionally approved the College's proposal to upgrade Chase Field, which is used by the lacrosse and field hockey teams, in a three-hour meeting last night.
In an interview late last night, Planning Board Chair Charles Faulkner told The Dartmouth that the College will be able to install artificial turf and foot-candle lighting poles under several restrictions, including the times when lights can be used.
The board decided to allow no more than 10 events per year to use the full NCAA lighting power on the artificial turf field after 7 p.m., according to Faulkner.
The lower light level for practice can be used only up until 8 p.m. any day on the turf field, and the lights on the other practice fields can only be used until 7 p.m.
The College or Hanover residents can appeal the decision within the next 30 days.
"Our hope is that what we have reached is a solution that's liveable for both sides," Faulkner said.
At the 10 public hearings in the past 11 months, residents living near Chase Field opposed the project because of disturbances from noise and light while College officials sought to upgrade the insufficient athletic facilities.
The College now has a timetable of three years in which to complete the upgrade of Chase Field, but can request an extension.
