NEWS

Opponents of YMCA Move to Mahackeno Establish Non-Profit Group

Printed in the Westportnow.com

Called Y Downtown!, the organization's logo includes the phrase "It's Not a Question, It's the Answer." The group's Web site said its aim "is to keep the Y downtown."

"The Westport/Weston YMCA is planning on abandoning its historic home on Main Street in downtown Westport," the group explains.

"The Y's plan is to create at least a 100,000 square foot facility at its Camp Mahackeno site in residential and state-designated rural northwestern Westport."

It adds, "This relocation is not smart growth and will create sprawl and traffic congestion in an area in which roads already are overburdened with traffic.

"The plan will destroy a large swath of open space, change the character of this corner of town and could harm the local environment."

The group contends that moving the Y out of downtown "also will decrease patronage of local businesses, make the Y less accessible for youths and seniors and remove the sense of community the downtown location engenders."

The group called attention to an April 13 meeting by the town's Code Enforcement Committee, made up of town department heads, to discuss the Y's reported plans.

It said it would have representatives on hand to ask questions and be available to answer questions from the press.

Y Downtown said it is supported by – and supports – two local groups opposed to development projects in the northwest part of Westport and adjacent Norwalk – The Patrick Wetlands Preservation Fund and The Save Cranbury Association of Norwalk.