Huntington YMCA to hold meeting on demolition of pool, courts
The Huntington Avenue YMCA is looking to demolish a portion of its building.
The Y plans to demolish a 44-foot-tall rear portion of its building at 316 Huntington Ave. that houses the facility’s pool and squash courts
The demolition plans will be discussed at a community meeting to hear from residents about the project and to present alternatives to the demolition. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. in the library of the YMCA.
Over the past year, neighbors and Y members have often united to oppose any demolition of the historic building. The demolition would allow Northeastern University to build a planned 17-story, $75 million dormitory on part of the property.
Last April, city's redevelopment authority approved Northeastern's plans to build a dorm where the Y’s gym now stands. Neighbors petitioned the Boston Landmarks Commission to upgrade the historical significance of the YMCA in attempt to stop the project that they saw as threat to the character of the neighborhood.
The commission twice voted against increasing protection for the building, but the Massachusetts Historical Commission has said the new dorm would have “an adverse effect’’ on the YMCA and nearby historic districts.
The portion of the building currently being considered for demolition at was not part of the building’s original 1912 construction.
Northeastern has said the additional housing will keep students from moving into off-campus housing.
The Y plans to build a modern pool and handball courts.
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Twitter: @YTFenwayKenmore
Email: johanna.yourtown@gmail.com
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