Hard on the heels of the Westport Y’s plan to seek permission to hook up to the town’s sewer, the Y today announced more plans involving construction of its new facility at Mahackeno.
Construction of the new Family Y is scheduled to begin in October. It starts with a 55,000-square foot main building that includes a competitive lap pool and family/teaching pool; a wellness center, gymnasium, 3 fitness studios, “child watch area” and 5 locker rooms.
“As more dollars are given, we’ll be able to expand our new Family Y and add the rest of the features envisioned in the original design for our Mahackeno campus,” says Bonnie Strittmatter, president of the board of directors.
An artist's rendering of the new Westport Y.
The public can view plans and designs for the facility at an informational meeting next Thursday Wednesday (February 23 22, 7 p.m. at the Y).
“While we regret that we can’t construct the whole facility at the same time, we are convinced that it is the most fiscally responsible thing to do,” says Jim Marpe, chairman of the board of trustees.
“Not only does it make sense economically, it also gives us greater flexibility going forward to meet the evolving needs of the community we’ve served for nearly a century.”
Turner Construction — which built the new Staples High School, Bedford Middle Schoo and the Senior Center, and renovated the Westport Country Playhouse — will be the Y’s primary site development and construction partner.
Also involved: Robert A.M. Stern Architects, and Land-Tech Consultants.
And about that sewer: The Y has filed an application with the town to connect the new facility to the municipal sanitary sewer system. The Y previously gained local and state approval to install and operate a septic system to treat wastewater from the new facility on site.
The Board of Selectmen — acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority — meets in a special session next Monday (February 27, 7 p.m., Town Hall) to discuss the request for a sewer extension to Mahackeno.
