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caption:
Reviewing
Members of the Regional Community Board of Advisors review the site plan for the facility that’s planned off Kennedy Drive in Putnam. Discussing the material with James O’S Morton, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford (left), are Laurence and Betty Hale, project trustees; Thomas A. Borner, chairman Corporate Division; and Paul Kelly, campaign vice chairman. Courtesy photo.
Regional Y
gets zoning
panel OK
PUTNAM — The Regional Community YMCA, scheduled for construction off Kennedy Drive, is one more step to becoming a reality when the Town of Putnam Zoning Commission voted recently to approve the site plan and construction of the building. The approval by the Zoning Commission includes the building with utilities, parking areas, ball fields and any incidental work detailed in a plan submitted in November.
The facility, which is estimated to be approximately 45,000 square feet and cost approximately $14.6 million, will include an indoor competition pool and a warm water pool, gymnasium, fitness area and teen center. The ball fields that were approved are part of a Phase II of the project.
“I’m pleased to hear of the positive decision made by the Zoning Commission. Each approval brings the project closer to the day when we can put a shovel in the ground. We’ve been working closely with the Putnam community and appreciate the cooperation we’ve received throughout this process,” said James O’S Morton, president and CEO of the Greater Hartford YMCA.
The Regional Community YMCA is part of the YMCA of Greater Hartford, which is comprised of 11 YMCAs and two resident camps throughout Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties, including Camp Woodstock in North Woodstock.
As part of the effort to bring the YMCA to northeastern Connecticut, a major capital campaign has been under way for the past two years. Currently the campaign has raised $2.4 million from individuals, corporations, banks and organizations throughout the 10-towns of the region.
“I’m excited to see the progress that’s being made as we move closer to realizing the dream of bringing a Y to the greater Putnam area. It’s been a long process but we understand that in working with the state and community there are various approvals that must be considered before the actual construction can take place,” said Betty Hale of Pomfret a trustee of the campaign.
The project was initiated through a gift of $3 million from The Newell D. Hale Foundation. The State of Connecticut, through the efforts of state Senator Donald Williams Jr.provided a grant of $3.745 million. In addition, the Board of the YMCA of Greater Hartford has approved up to $4 million toward the project.
In recent months the Y has established a local Board of Advisors, which meets monthly to discuss proposed programs for the facility once construction is completed and the facility is operational. It’s anticipated that construction could begin in April 2014, with a target date of September 2015 for the official opening.