Sumner closer to getting YMCA
By CHAZ HOLMES
Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald Reporter
Sep 21 2009, 4:36 PM
Sumner is closer to getting a YMCA facility after the passing of an amendment at Thursdays meeting of the Pierce County Regional Council.
The YMCA is a project which is a long time coming and the proposed location is an obstacle to the development but the amendment allows the next step to approving the location.
Sumner City Council member Matt Richardson said property currently owned by Investco is to be donated, but in order for the YMCA facility to be built on the land, an extension of the Urban Growth Area is needed.
The land where the facility is to go is not currently designated as the proper category under Pierce County planning.
We would have to move the Urban Growth Area, Richardson said.
The UGA would need to be extended south to encompass the Investco land.
Richardson served on an ad hoc committee which discussed revision to the planning code. The ad hoc committee submitted recommendations to the Regional Council.
The recommendation was adopted by the Growth Management Coordinating Committee took the recommendation and passed them on to PCRC.
Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald Reporter Chaz Holmes can be reached at cholmes_courierherald.com or 360-802-8208.
Article Link: http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/pierce/bch/news/60081142.html
Sumner City Council approves funding for YMCA
By CHAZ HOLMES
Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald Reporter
Sep 22 2009, 3:41 PM
The Sumner City Council approved a contribution of $2.5 million to the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties for the construction of a YMCA facility in Sumner.
Last week the city took another step toward the development of the facility when the Pierce County Regional Council passed an amendment which will lead to the extension of the Urban Growth Area, which is necessary for construction of the facility since the land is not currently designated for it.
With the allocation of the money, Sumner's YMCA building is scheduled to open in 2013, which is the culmination of a project long in progress.
More than two years ago Sumner residents formed a committee, led by Barbara Bitetto, which worked to create a concept for a YMCA to specifically fit the Sumner community.
The group sought the Pierce County YMCA to assist with the project.
"We looked at different partners and found that the YMCA of Pierce County is an expert at running programs and facilities," Bitetto said.
The facility's specifics are not finalized, but it is expected to have swimming pools, weights a gymnasium, child and youth activities and a teen center. Gathering areas such as community rooms, an Internet cafe and an arts center are planned. The YMCA facility's location is 166th and Highway 410.
The project is planned to be funded by the real estate excise tax, sales tax, and permit fees generated by the project.
Council unanimously approved the item (council member Ed Hannus was excused from attending) and enthusiasm was expressed by the audience and council alike.
Mayor Dave Enslow said he heard from many people the facility is needed and his agreement with the spending spoke to that effect.
"For those who know me, I'm pretty tight with the buck," Enslow said.
Council member Matt Richardson said there was no difficulty voting for the item.
"It will probably be the easiest vote that we ever make," Richardson said.
Council member Steve Allsop said he's visited the YMCA location in the South Hill area and was impressed.
"It's just an atmosphere that is second to none," he said.
Following the vote, Enslow asked for a round of applause to be given for the YMCA, whose president and CEO of its Pierce and Kitsap Counties locations, Bob Ecklund, spoke at the meeting.
"This is one of the greatest steps forward I've seen for this community," Enslow said.
Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald Reporter Chaz Holmes can be reached at cholmes_courierherald.com or 360-802-8208. .
Article Link: http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/pierce/bch/news/60413647.html
