7/19/2005

One step at a time for YMCA
By Bob Lassahn

A Northern Worcester YMCA has been a hot topic of discussion since Marvin Steen donated the acreage and the community of Ocean Pines approved a referendum that facilitated water and sewer service to the site. The process of getting the project underway may appear agonizingly slow but according to Ed Neill, chief executive officer of the YMCA in Salisbury, the process is still moving forward one small step at a time.

The project has already secured the necessary growth allocation from the county. A requirement since it lies partially within the critical area surround within the critical area surrounding the bays. Approval has also been obtained to incorporate the site into the Ocean Pines Water and Wastewater Service Area. Installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Gum Point Road and Racetrack Road (Route 589) has been approved and intersection improvements are already underway.

On July 13 an application for a special exception was presented to the Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals seeking approval for the intended use of the land, which is presently designated as agricultural. A public hearing on the request should be scheduled within the next 30 days.

Jim Nooney, successor to the late Jim Barrett on the effort to bring a YMCA to northern Worcester County, praised the cooperation and assistance of elected officials from both the county and state.

Fundraising for the new facility, now formally named Seaside YMCA, has not yet started but there is a group actively working to assemble a list of prospective volunteers for the various committees. Once assembled these groups can begin to work on such items as a needs assessment, feasibility study to determine what the local community could potentially support and the actual fund raising effort.

According to Mr. Nooney, community volunteers are needed and welcome in all areas of the project. Those who might wish to help are encouraged to contact him at 410-430-8313 or drop him an e-mail at nooneyunlimitedllc@comcast.net.

Mr. Nooney says that a website for the Seaside YMCA is currently being constructed and he anticipates it could be online within another month. He also says to watch for notice of a “YMCA Day” tentatively scheduled for sometime in early October. The event will provide an opportunity for people to visit the site and enjoy a cookout with the YMCA board members to gain understanding of what is envisioned for the new facility.