Mystic — The Ocean Community YMCA plans to launch a capital campaign to help fund the majority of its $7.2 million renovation and expansion of its Mystic branch off Masons Island Road.

YMCA Executive Director Maureen Fitzgerald said the process will be very similar to the one the YMCA undertook for the $8 million renovation and expansion of its Westerly-Pawcatuck branch, which was completed in 2013.

YMCA officials met last week with neighbors and plan two meetings next month with YMCA members to outline the project and answer questions. The Stonington Planning and Zoning Commission has scheduled a public hearing on the special use permit needed for the project for Oct. 20.

Fitzgerald said the project is the result of a strategic plan developed by the branch and association boards as well as input from its 5,300 members.

“We looked at how we could position the Mystic branch to better serve our community,” she said.

As the Mystic branch has increased in popularity, it has faced a lack of parking, and inadequate space for locker rooms and exercise programs.

The application calls for demolishing a portion of the building, adding a 12,500-square-foot addition to the rear and renovating the remainder of the building. Plans also call for using the baseball field next to the parking lot for additional parking.

Fitzgerald said a second-floor wellness center with exercise equipment as well as exercise studios, will be much like the expansive one at the Westerly branch, but have large windows overlooking the Mystic River.

Plans also call for improved handicapped access, new locker rooms including family and special needs locker rooms, and a new entrance area. The current building comprises 27,746-square feet on two levels.

An architectural rendering shows a large glass facade at the rear overlooking the Mystic River. Fitzgerald said plans are to break ground next year if much of the capital campaign goal has been reached.

Over the past several years, neighbors of the YMCA have opposed plans to build a luxury condominium project on the former Mystic Color lab property next to the YMCA as well as dental clinic on land in front of the YMCA.

Fitzgerald said neighbors last week asked good questions about parking and usage and appreciated being consulted before the plans were presented to members and the planning commission.

“They understand what’s going to take place. I’m hoping to have their support,” she said.

j.wojtas@theday.com

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