NEWS

YMCA hires architect for Westport site

By By Lisa Chamoff
Staff Writer
Printed in the The Advocate

WESTPORT -- The Westport/Weston YMCA yesterday announced the hiring of Robert A.M. Stern Architects to design a new $35 million facility at its Camp Mahackeno property.

Because the YMCA's planned move from its 85-year-old location in downtown Westport has angered residents who live near the 32-acre Mahackeno site, officials said the firm has suggested constructing the facility on the northwest side of the property, alongside the Merritt Parkway and farther from nearby homes.

Access to the facility would be from Sunny Lane, which parallels the Merritt.

New York City-based Robert A.M. Stern's projects include the Museum Center at the Mark Twain House in Hartford and a recreation center at Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I.

W Kevin Smith, who will lead the YMCA project for the 140-person firm, is a Westport resident and YMCA member.

The move was necessary because the organization had outgrown its facility and was paying too much to maintain it, YMCA Executive Director Richard Foot said.

The building, with a maze-like layout and 16 different elevations on the first floor, also puts constraints on programs, Foot said. There are waiting lists for swimming lessons and children taller than 5 feet are limited when participating in gymnastics because of the low ceiling in the basement.

Parking is limited and the building is not handicapped accessible, he said.

"We simply cannot continue the YMCA's mission to serve the needs of the community in this facility," Foot said. "Remaining in our current location would condemn the Y to an inevitable demise."

Using the Mahackeno property would also open up the scenic area to residents, Foot said.

But neighbors are concerned about constructing a new facility in a residential area where roads, such as Route 33, are already congested.

"The access is so limited many of us feel we don't know how the traffic can be handled," said Chet Harlow, who lives west of the site on Wilton Road. " It's a question of funneling hundreds of people into that area."

Moving the YMCA would have a negative impact on Westport's downtown, said Debbie McGinley, who lives south of Camp Mahackeno on Rice's Lane.

Many parents drop their children off at the Y and run errands in the area and some people who rely on public transportation would have trouble getting there, she said.

As a Westport resident, Smith said he understands neighbors' concerns. Traffic studies will be conducted and it is likely the Sunny Lane and Route 33 intersection could be improved.

The facility will "almost be invisible from virtually every neighbor," Smith said.

Stern was the only firm out of the 15 considered that proposed placing the facility on the northern part of the property, Foot said.

Some residents would prefer the new facility to be located on property next to Baron's South near the town's senior center. Foot said it would not be possible to place another large facility on the property.

The YMCA will work with the architects to create a preliminary design for the structure and apply for the necessary town permits, Foot said.

The Y also is embarking on a campaign to pay for the project. The sale of the current building downtown is expected to defray some of the cost.

The YMCA has spent $2 million so far on the project, Foot said.