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Dear Members, YMCA’s Plans Moving Forward Last week the YMCA of Stamford,
represented by William J. Hennessey, Jr. of Sandak Hennessey & Greco LLP,
filed an application with the Stamford Zoning Board of Appeals which, if
granted, will be instrumental in its re-opening. For over three decades the
YMCA, located at 909 Washington Boulevard, has served the needs of the Stamford
community as a YMCA recreational facility and 132 room hotel. In October of
2007, the YMCA closed its membership and hotel in order to raise funds to
strengthen its financial standing, renovate the health and wellness facility,
and reopen a new YMCA facility. Recently, the YMCA reached an
agreement with an affiliate of Stamford based developer RMS Construction, LLC
and Apex Hospitalities of North Brunswick, New Jersey to pursue an opportunity
which would allow it to reopen and provide the recreational facilities and
programs previously offered. To initiate this plan, the YMCA intends to create
a two unit condominium in the building: one unit would be owned and operated by
the YMCA as a community center and fitness facility with a pool and gymnasium,
and the second unit would be owned and operated by RMS Construction & Apex
Hospitalities as a hotel. In addition, the building will receive a completely
new façade, including new windows, and the hotel tower will be completely
renovated and the room count reduced to 99 rooms. The YMCA continues to operate its
State Licensed LEAD Academy after school programs, and its LEAD middle and high
school program at the 909 Washington Boulevard site. The YMCA is preparing for
another summer camp season, with over 100 Stamford children expected to attend
the camp each week. “This is a very exciting time for
the Stamford YMCA”, said Mark Ketley, CEO of the Stamford YMCA. “The Stamford
YMCA has been a part of the Stamford Community for 140 years, and the Board of
Trustees and Board of Directors have been working very hard to put the YMCA in
a great position to serve the community for the next 140 years.” The variance application requests a reduction of the onsite parking requirement and is anticipated to be heard at a Public Hearing as early as May 2008. For more information, contact Mark Ketley, YMCA CEO, at (203) 357-7000, ext 107. Warmest Regards, Mark Ketley CEO |
