Mystic — The Ocean Community YMCA is seeking a special-use permit from the Stonington Planning and Zoning Commission for a dramatic renovation and expansion of its Mystic branch off Masons Island Road.  

The project, which the application states would begin next year and be completed in 2017, follows the $8 million renovation and expansion of the YMCA’s Westerly-Pawcatuck branch, which was completed in 2013.

As the popularity of the YMCA has increased in recent years, the Mystic branch has faced a lack of parking and exercise space as well as small locker rooms.

The commission is in the process of scheduling a public hearing on the special-use permit. 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 a dental clinic on land in front of the YMCA.

The application calls for demolishing a portion of the existing building and rear parking, renovating the remainder of the building and adding a 12,500-square-foot addition and additional parking.

The current building comprises 27,746 square feet on two levels. The plans call for a Child Watch area, family and special needs locker rooms, Wellness Center and other improvements.

An architectural rendering shows a large glass façade at the rear overlooking the Mystic River.

YMCA Executive Director Maureen Fitzgerald said she would be ready to discuss the cost, fundraising and other aspects of the project in a few weeks after further discussions with her board members.

She said the YMCA has put together a conceptual plan and at some point will begin raising money. She said the process will be similar to what was done during the renovation of the Westerly-Pawcatuck YMCA.

As for the reasons that prompted the project, she said the Mystic branch needs to serve more people and “we want to keep existing members happy with our facilities and programs.”

j.wojtas@theday.com

Twitter: @joewojtas