Northfield YMCA's Facility Moves Ahead With Council's Approval of Pedestrian Access Plan

The Northfield City Council on Tuesday approved the Pedestrian Access Plan, and subsequently, its Conditional Use Permit, with a 7-0 vote.

The , but was contingent on the planning commission's review of the Pedestrian Access Plan and approval from the council.

The YMCA is planning a suburban-style 45,000-square foot —near the in southwest Northfield. The Y has been planning a new facility since 2009 and hopes to break ground next year and open in 2013.

Councilors last month raised concern over the proposed placement of the facility's parking lot on the front of the 5-acre property and with a sidewalk scheme that could encourage walking across the busy lot, citing safety concerns.

Some of that debate continued on Tuesday, with some councilors saying that a sidewalk should be installed to run parallel to Honey Locust Drive in front of the Y facility, which is on the south side of the street.

Under the current plan, a proposed sidewalk would stop once it hits the west end of the property, where an existing sidewalk runs north and south. There is no sidewalk on the east end of the property on the south side of Honey Locust Drive. There is, however, a sidewalk on the north end of the street that runs east and west. The council took no formal action on the matter, instead approving the plan in front of them, which is attached to this page.

The Y facility will include an indoor swimming pool, a gym, a walking track and wellness center. It will also allow for expanded programming.

It's a big step for the Y.

After several months of research and discussion last year with the to put the Y facility on the grounds, the school board in October 2010 voted 5-2 to end negotiations.

The Y currently uses the Northfield Armory for many of its classes and camps.