Lysander (WSYR-TV) - The controversial proposal to build a new YMCA in Lysander is underway again. In July, the Empire State Development Corporation gave the project the approval that had previously been voided by a lawsuit. At Monday's meeting of the Lysander Planning Board, YMCA board members said the facility would benefit the community.
"Having been a member of the 'Y' when I was a kid back in NYC, and being a member of the 'Y' in Syracuse for many years, I just believe it is a great asset to any community," said board member Oscar Jensen.
Developers are now working on a site plan review and plan to start construction after it gets final approval. The facility will be located at the corner of Drake's Landing and Route 31, in the Radisson Community.
Empire State Development Corp. approves Radisson YMCA
July 15
Lysander (WSYR-TV) - The Empire State Development Corporation has approved plans for a YMCA in the Radisson community, despite years of protests from many neighbors who don't want the facility built in a residential area.
In March the Lysander Planning Board suspended its review of a proposed Northwest YMCA until the Empire State Development Corporation approves the site. The previous approval was invalidated by a judge after neighbors in Radison filed a 2008 lawsuit because they didn't want the $17 million facility built in a residential area.
The property in question is on the corner of Drake's Landing and Route 31 in Lysander.
The ESDC made its decision to approve the project after a public hearing held in May and after reviewing written comments that were accepted through June 14. The agency says it reviewed the materials and determined the Northwest Family YMCA would be a "Community Facility" and therefore an allowable use of property according to the Radisson General Project Plan.
This decision clears the way for the Town of Lysander to proceed with its site plan review of the proposed facility.
Development Corp. holds hearing on proposed YMCA
May 12
Lysander (WSYR-TV) - The Empire State Development Corporation held a public hearing Wednesday evening on the YMCA's plan to build a new facility in Radisson.
In March the Lysander Planning Board suspended its review of a proposed Northwest YMCA until the Empire State Development Corporation approves the site. The previous approval was invalidated by a judge after neighbors in Radison filed suit because they didn't want the $17 million facility built in a residential area.
The property in question is on the corner of Drake's Landing and Route 31 in Lysander.
The lawsuit against the YMCA started back in 2008. As a result of the judge's ruling the project had to be resubmitted to the ESDC for another review.
The YMCA has said they've already raised most of the money needed to build the facility, and they are determined to see it built in that location.
Wednesday's public hearing was held in the auditorium at Baker High School. The ESDC is accepting public comment on the proposal through June 14, however.
Lysander Planning Board suspends review of new YMCA
March 16
Lysander (WSYR-TV) - The Lysander Planning Board has suspended its review of a proposed Northwest YMCA until the Empire State Development Corporation approves the site. The previous approval was invalidated by a judge.
The Greater Syracuse YMCA wants to build at the corner of Drake's Landing and Route 31, but some neighbors have filed suit over the location. As a result of that suit, the ESDC's approval was invalidated by a judge last week.
Neighbor Robert Tessier say's he isn't against a new YMCA, but wants it built elsewhere. "It should just be moved down the road. We've got a big industrial area just a quarter mile down the road, and that’s where it belongs."
"It's a great project for the community, its something that over 80% of the community wants," said Hal Welsh, Director of the Greater Syracuse YMCA. "So we go forward with it, yes."
The YMCA says they have no plans to change locations right now, and they will go back to the ESDC for new approval.
Judge rules approval for proposed Northwest YMCA illegal
Lysander (WSYR-TV) - In court Wednesday, a judge invalidated the YMCA's approval to build a new facility in Lysander. The YMCA must now go back to the Empire State Development Corporation and get new approval for their proposed $17-million Northwest YMCA.
The lawsuit against the YMCA started back in 2008, and in January a judge ruled the lawsuit could move forward. The suit was filed by neighbors in Radison who didn't want the facility built in a residential area. Instead, they want it moved to the corporate park. The ESDC approved the first proposal for that area because the YMCA would be a recreational facility.
The YMCA of Greater Syracuse says that this ruling will not stop their efforts to build the new facility. Fundraising will continue, and they will go back to have the ESDC review the plan and reissue an approval for use of the property on the corner of Drake's Landing and Route 31 in Lysander. The proposed facility would be 98,000 square feet.
Kristin Atkinson, Communications Manager for the YMCA of Greater Syracuse, says they are pleased with the decision. In an email to NewsChannel 9, however, the attorney for the plaintiffs disagreed. Attorney Doug Zamelis wrote, "The court’s invalidation of the approval is a major setback for the project."
Atkinson says that at this time the YMCA has raised 75% of the funds needed to build the facility.
