Warsaw Plan Commission approved a development plan for a new YMCA north of Mariners Drive and east of U.S. 30 during its meeting Monday night. Board member Dave Baumgartner made the motion, seconded by board member Jim Gast. The development plan does not include a building permit that is subject to state release and review by Warsaw Planner Jeremy Skinner, Building Commissioner Todd Slabaugh, and Joe Fretz, Warsaw Fire Department. Chad Zaucha, CEO of the Kosciusko Y, said plans are to put the existing YMCA up for sale for six months, and if there is not a buyer the facility will be gifted to a local non-profit. The development plan must apply to the city’s erosion control ordinance. The site plan is on 37.23 acres of land and will consist of approximately 74,000 square feet, with a 307 space parking lot, and a walking trail. Approximately 46 trees will be planted within the parking lot area with an additional 100 plus ornamental flowers and shrubs. The developer has provided a lighting plan which shows all the light being contained on the property per the lighting plan. All water main improvements will be approved by Indiana American Water. There will be private lateral sewer lines constructed as part of the development. All storm and sewer infrastructure will be required to pass city approved testing and construction standards. Nedra Dobbins, 2101 Whitetail Run, lives east of the property where the YMCA will be. She attended the meeting to ask where the top soil mound will be in reference to her property line. Skinner said an earth and mound barrier will be 25 feet from her property line. A drainage system also has been planned to be in between the top soil mound and her property line so water does not flow on her property or other properties in the area. Along with the development plan the city is requesting that the YMCA show plans for future extension of Mariners Drive heading north. The council also approved a Northern Tax Increment Finance Plan resolution. The resolution is to extend Polk Drive on the west side of Silveus Crossing connecting the east side of CR 200W for $2.4 million; a $1.2 million force main and lift station construction project; a $2 million road construction project for CR 300N, Silveus Crossing, CR 200W, and adjacent intersections to U.S. 30; and the CR 300N bridge reconstruction project to widen the existing bridge for $550,000. The bridge project will include widening the existing bridge and provide a pedestrian and bike connection on the south side of the bridge. Along with the bridge and pedestrian connection along the bridge, the project will extend to connect Ivy Tech, Warsaw Community Schools, and Warsaw Technology Park. A presentation on results from the Ball State planning charette will be July 18 at 7 p.m. at the Warsaw Performing Arts Center. The charette was conducted by Ball State University of School of Architecture students to study uses for the Gatke property and the Little Crow Foods building, and the YMCA building relocation. On July 25 and 26 there will be a public forum at city hall for the community to provide input on the city’s comprehensive plan that is being updated. A time has not yet been set for the forum.
