The dream of many for a took a big step toward becoming reality at Tuesday's town board meeting.
At the meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve a resoluton stating that Riverhead's Community Development Agency deems the YMCA of Long Island a qualified and eligible sponsor for the lease or purchase and development of 7.3 acres within the premises of Enterprise Park at Calveton. The resolution also states that the project is "consistent with" the goals and objectives of EPCAL's urban renewal plan.
Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter said at the time the EPCAL property is subdivided, the town will donate the parcel to the YMCA. Until the, Walter said, there has been some talk of the YMCA potentially leasing the space in advance. "That's sort of an open question," Walter said. But, he said, "We're moving forward. This really is a good kickoff to the whole EPCAL process."
The vote was good news, said Fritz Trinklein, director of strategic planning for the YMCA of Long Island. "It gives us the green light to proceed with finalization of the location and to start the final phase, which is raising the final funds for construction, and filing for a building permit."
Trinklein said the final $1.3 of the proposed $8 million project is hoped to be raised within the next two to three months; the building application and permitting process will follow, taking approximately six to eight months.
"Our goal is to have a completed structure by the end of next year. It's exciting."
Siting the YMCA at EPCAL was a solution welcomed by many residents n on Main Road in Aquebogue.
Trinklein said the EPCAL solution is a win-win. "We've had terrific cooperation from the entire town board. We're very appreciative of the effort they've expended on our behalf -- and we look forward to serving the community, sooner than later."
