ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — Plans are advancing for a proposed Cornell sports facility.

On Thursday, the City of Ithaca’s Planning & Development Board gave final approval for the Meinig Fieldhouse. The Town of Ithaca’s Planning Board has yet to greenlight the project.

The fieldhouse would host activities for lacrosse and other sports. Planning & Development Board member Andy Rollman said Big Red players persuaded him to support the project.

“I was very moved by the students at Cornell,” he said. “I do think the mental health aspects of the project that they highlighted were so compelling to me.”

Artificial turf fields would also be installed. Environmental advocates have expressed concerns, but Rollman said the board found middle ground.

“I really feel like we have come to something that is a great compromise,” he said.

Architects estimate the construction period would last 16 months. The Town of Ithaca’s Planning Board next meets on Tuesday, though the fieldhouse is not listed on the agenda.