YMCA Expansion Hearing Pushed Back

The variance application for the Madison Area YMCA's proposed expansion, which was originally on Thursday night's agenda, will most likely be heard at a special meeting on June 22.

The application was to be heard by the Zoning Board for the third time on Thursday, but Zoning Board Chairman Russel Stern announced to the public that it would be carried.

Logistically, the matter is being carried to the board's next regular meeting on June 10. However, Stern and board attorney Gary Hall said that was mainly so they can take action at that meeting to carry it to the special meeting for the 22nd.

The variance proposal is for a new addition which would house an eight-lane, 25-yard pool.

At the two previous meetings, residents from Keep Street, which runs parallel to the back of the YMCA, have attended to cross-examine the YMCA's professionals.

Also cross-examining those giving testimony has been attorney Michael Rubin, who is representing client Ann Julie Mele, owner of 47 Keep Street.

At the last hearing on April 29, Rubin reserved his cross-examining of the YMCA's traffic expert, Gary Dean, as both he and YMCA attorney Tom Malman said there was the possibility of a framework for a plan revision that could satisfy Rubin's client. That was to be discussed by both parties before the next meeting.

The first special meeting was held on March 16.