Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
SOMERVILLE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Planned expansions for YMCA Somerville are expected to be finalized by the end of this summer.
YMCA President and CEO Vladimir Benoit said this project has been long in the making.
"In the last two and a half to three years we've really gained some traction to get to the point of where we are," Benoit said.
Benoit said there is one roadblock to the campus expansion; they are having a hard time convincing the owners of one home at the corner of Highland Ave and School Street to sell their property.
"We've offered them what we thought was a very competitive offer for the value of their home, and we still maintain a good relationship with our neighbors, including the daughter, who has been really handling the discussions with us," Benoit said.
Benoit said regardless of if the owners decide to sell their property the expansion project will continue, but he hopes they have a change of heart.
"They have every right to be there, and we hope that at some point, maybe it isn't tomorrow, but maybe in the later future they will consider working with us," Benoit said.
The proposal to rebuild and expand includes a new pool, health and wellness center, more space for childcare services, and a new affordable housing complex.
The proposed center is expected to quadruple the facility in size, even without that property. The new campus is expected to go from serving 5,000 people to 15,000.
Rendered photo of proposed expanded building, provided by Somerville YMCA.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.