The district says the concrete and foundations are crumbling at the aging facility.
But the proposed complex has generated opposition. The district's business administrator says Norristown only wants what most others already have.
"It is a customary, ordinary use of a high school, there are very few you will find that do not have, that don't have an athletic complex on the site of the high school itself," explained Anne Rohricht.
But West Norriton Township says what's proposed violates its zoning, the school will be fighting that decision at a meeting Monday night.
Christa Henderson is also opposed as a neighbor. She cites environmental concerns over lead used in some artificial turf. As a taxpayer she is convinced, despite promises to the contrary, the $3.4 million project will hike already high school taxes.
"We have publicly time and time again; we will not raise taxes for this project."
So why not renovate the crumbling Roosevelt Field? The district says it would cost more, still lack parking and its footprint will be too small to accommodate what is planned.
"Where the plan for this site is a multi-sport field with a track, so you could have a track meet, you can have soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, you name it," said Bob Malkowski, Norristown area schools.
Both sides are predicting a protracted battle over the playing fields of Norristown.
