In what seemed to have been a shocker to both sides, University Park City Council unanimously decided to approve the YMCA’s request to build its new structure.
For those following along at home, last meeting the council postponed their decision on the Y’s counter-proposal of 57,200 square feet for more review.
The council asked for a reduction from 65,000 to 52,000 and the Y responded with their own 52,000 square foot plan that would have an additional 10 percent of non-activity space that pushes the maximum square footage to 57,200.
It seems the council liked the changes they made as they voted 5-0, now putting the pressure on how the square footage will be drawn into the renovation.
Read more in this week’s Park Cities People.
Feel free to make the jump for some of the council’s commentary before the vote:
Neighborhood Spotlight
Park Cities
Where the Park Cities Stay Connected.
– Councilmember Tommy Stewart said.
“It was a tough decision for all of us. We studied this issue hard. It’s one that has effected the community in many ways. I just hope whatever the outcome is that we all pull together for the betterment of the community and its citizens.”
-Councilmember Robert Clark.
“The decision to proceed or not on this project is solely on the Y. They have the right to accept or reject our decision. If they decide to proceed, the parking will be off-street and on-site underground. And the neighborhood will benefit greatly by that. It will be an enormous improvement in the quality of the neighborhood and the value of the neighborhood around the Y.”
“The size of the building I know has been an enormous issue. However, looking at a building of this size, whether it has 10 percent more non-activity space or not, I do not believe, and I would challenge anyone to notice the difference. It will not generate more traffic, and therefore I think this is the right thing to do and the best thing to do for the city of University Park and certainly with the Y.”
– Counclimember Bob Begert
“Depending on how this vote turns out, I would hope that the YMCA will make it a primary objective to be a better neighbor. We have heard many things about how you have not been a good neighbor. However the vote comes out, I hope you take it to heart that these folks over here want you to be a better neighbor.”
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