City to address questions over proposed YMCA expansion setbacks

Proposed footprint of the YMCA-Aspirus health and wellness campus in downtown Wausau. Image courtesy: Ghidorzi Companies
Proposed footprint of the YMCA-Aspirus health and wellness campus in downtown Wausau. Image courtesy: Ghidorzi Companies

WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) -- A question over setbacks has stalled a portion of the proposed $19 million upgrade and expansion at the Wausau Woodson YMCA, an issue city leaders hope to have resolved by month's end.

Mayor Robert Mielke says it's a small item that needs to be ironed out before work on that particular area of the project can pick back up. "It's just one of those things that has to be worked through. I don't really anticipate this stopping work or anything like that, it's a formality," he said.

A resident recently expressed concern over the plan to take the building out to within a few feet of the sidewalk along McIndoe Street and 4th street. Currently, the required setback is 30 feet. Workers had already begun digging in the area, but are now focusing on other aspects of the project until the variance is approved. The item was discussed during an October 17th meeting of the board of zoning appeals but was tabled because city attorneys could not be at the meeting to answer questions.

Mielke said he doesn't see any problems with the variance and it shouldn't be anything that holds the project up. "I think once it gets resolved and the facts come out, it will get started back up again."

Additionally, Mielke says there's also a question about the amount of space the building can take within the property. "Again, it's something that will be looked at and then taken care of."

The Plan Commission, which Mayor Mielke chairs, will take up the matter as part of their November 20th meeting.

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