Residents Thank Walter For Reconsidering Aquebogue Y Location

During a marathon town board meeting in Riverhead on Tuesday, some residents took time out from expressing their displeasure with two resolutions on the table regarding a proposed Jamesport project, not to voice concerns -- but to give thanks.

Some members of the audience said they were grateful to Riverhead Town Supvervisor Sean Walter for listening to their concerns and working to site a proposed YMCA in Calverton, rather than on Route 25 in Aquebogue.

For months, residents have raised their voices against

A group of concerned residents, 'Save Main Road' have voiced strong opposition to a proposed 40,000-square-foot facility that the Peconic YMCA advertised on its Facebook page, as well as the mixed-use Village at Jamesport, which includes over 40,000 square-feet of retail, professional, and bistro uses.

During the lengthy town board meeting on Tuesday, a number of residents thanked the supervisor for working to site the project in Calverton.

Walter said the work would be done by the town board moving forward and agreed Calverton was a good fit for the project.

Before the meeting, Georgette Keller, president of the Jamesport/South Jamesport Civic Association and an organizer of the "Save Main Road" group, said she was happy Walter was willing to listen to the voices of constituents regarding the proposed YMCA.

"Personally, as a teacher at the Roanoke Avenue School, I'd like to see something more centrally located and accessible to our teens and middle school student. We really want to reach them and provide them with the development programs to become mature young adults," Keller said.

A location near Stotzky Park, she added, would be ideal.

Calverton, she said, presents some of the same logistical issues as Aquebogue in terms of kids being able to walk to the YMCA.

But she said she understands economic realities and issues involving finding a site. "I'm glad to see glad to see the town working to solve this for the best interests of everyone," she said.

Where would you like to see a new YMCA be located? Tell us in the comments section! We want to hear your thoughts.