Waukesha Central YMCA plans to build a 65,000 to 75,000-square-foot fitness facility that would be built in a “connected campus setting” with a new Sussex Village Hall that would be built near the Pauline Haass Public Library at N64 W23820 Main St. in Sussex.
The village would contribute $7 million to the $14 million cost of the Sussex YMCA facility. The village would not operate the facility and would not pay towards ongoing operational costs.
For the owner of a $280,000 home, the one-time investment of $7 million will result in a tax increase of less than $12 per year for 15 years, village officials said.
“This project is really a win-win,” said Village Trustee Pat Tetzlaff. “We get a pool, fitness center and gym in the heart of downtown (Sussex) without having to pay to operate it forever.”
A YMCA fitness center was previously proposed at the corner of Highway 164 and County Highway K, but village officials say the location in a civic campus setting along with a new Village Hall near the library will be more pedestrian friendly.
“A YMCA in downtown Sussex means our children and grandchildren can walk or bike to the ‘Y’ safely,” said Village President Greg Goetz. “We plan to make Sussex even more pedestrian friendly by adding more paths and sidewalks connecting neighborhoods to Main Street in the future.”
The village is also exploring the possibility of several other key community partners locating on the civic campus, including the food pantry, chamber of commerce, and added space for the library.
A citizen advisory committee will be formed at a Village Board meeting in the next month. The committee will consider options for the Village Hall space at the civic campus and will make a recommendation to the Village Board in late 2014 or early 2015.
