By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

The Pelham City Council unanimously agreed during its Sept. 9 meeting to allow Chelsea to move forward with constructing a multi-use sports complex on property behind Chelsea High School.

Chelsea leaders are looking to build a multipurpose sports complex on more than 100 Chelsea-owned acres behind Chelsea High School off Shelby County 11, although a portion of the property currently is in Pelham city limits.

The Chelsea City Council recently agreed to borrow $6 million from Regions Bank to fund the sports complex and other capital projects, such as a new community center.

Pelham Council President Rick Hayes said Pelham and Chelsea leaders recently had a “very good” meeting on the project.

“I think this is obviously a positive thing for us to do,” said Hayes, who previously said the development will benefit Pelham and Chelsea residents along Shelby County 11.

Chelsea Councilwoman Juanita Champion previously said Regions Bank required Chelsea to obtain permission from Pelham to use the property before moving forward with construction.