YMCA Begins Case for Addition Variances

Representatives for the Madison YMCA began outlining its variance proposal for a new addition which would house an eight-lane, 25-yard pool at a special meeting held by the Zoning Board of Adjustment on Tuesday night.

The pool would not take the place of the current four-lane, 25-yard pool, but would work in conjunction with it. YMCA President and CEO Barry Kroll said the need for the new pool stems partly from competition swimming.

"It is state of the art for today's standards," Kroll said of the proposed pool. "The other two facilities that have one like this in the Madison area are Drew and Fairleigh Dickinson. And those are both facilities we rent, along with with St. E's (St. Elizabeth), because we can't accommodate the swim program in our pool–it doesn't meet the standards at all. The only time we can do meet in our pool is for our 8-and-under kids"

Besides allowing for more competitive meets–Kroll also said he thought having Madison and Chatham High Schools compete at the pool could be a possibility–Kroll said having the two pools would allow to serve multiple groups of people. The current pool, which was built in the 60s, is set at a temperature of about 82 degrees, which is too warm for competitive and lap swimming, and too cold for swim classes and physical therapy. The proposed pool would be for competitive and lap swimming, and the current pool for the warm water uses.

The YMCA sits in what is a single-family residential zone, so the addition would need variance approval for construction. Another variance it would need is front yard setback from Keep Street. Brian and Paige Dwyer of 42 Keep Street asked questions of YMCA representatives during the meeting, and attorney Michael Rubin cross-examined on behalf of client Ann Julie Mele, owner of 47 Keep Street.

Rubin gave a definition of public and quasi-public, saying by definition he doesn't believe the YMCA can be classified as such.

"With the services you provide, you're similar to a health club are you not?" Rubin asked Kroll.

Kroll maintained that the YMCA is different from health clubs because it does not discriminate and offers financial aid in free membership to those who cannot afford its services. He also said it's a registered charity and its programs teach caring and honest and respect of all people.

Rubin also questioned Kroll's statement that the addition was to serve its current membership and is not to encourage more members. Rubin said that the same statements were made in 2000 during the last expansion, when membership was 9,700, and membership had grown to a high of 12,500 in the 10 years after that addition. Membership currently sits at about 11,000 according to Kroll, who said he'd hope the proposed expansion would help bring back the 1,500 the YMCA has lost from its all-time high.

Rubin also asked questions regarding the setback from Keep Street, asking why the addition could not be moved back and if there were any other options.

Stephen Aluotto, architect from AK Architects in Morristown, answered Rubin's questions by saying moving the addition farther back from Keep Street would compromise its functional efficiencies. In the proposal, the locker rooms would be on the same floor as both pools, eliminating the need for individuals to walk up and down stairs, decreasing the chance of slipping and falling. The current pool is beneath ground level and the proposed addition has the new pool in the same location.

Aluotto also said changing the setback would also prevent a clear line of visibility for the supervisors office to both pools.

"I can assure you form a functional point of view, this is the most efficient solution," Aluotto said.

Rubin also asked if there had been any studies and if there were any numbers as to the foot candles of light emission from the proposed construction. Aluotto said he had no such numbers.

Testimony was also given by engineer Paul Fox, who was cross-examined by Rubin. Fox's testimony will be carried over to the next special meeting, for which a date is still to be set. The special meeting date will be selected based on availability at the regular Zoning Board meeting on April 8.