Health dept. interested in former Y property

Published 10:12 am Thursday, April 27, 2017

At least one public agency is interested in the former Winchester YMCA property, though no offers have been made yet.

Clark County Health Department Director Scott Lockard confirmed the agency would like to buy the property on Westmeade Drive, but said the department is still exploring options.

“We were exploring so options that our board is entertaining,” Lockard said. “We’re not ready to release anything yet.”

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In March, the health department sent a letter to the Board of Zoning Adjustments requesting a conditional use permit for the property. In the letter, Lockard said the pool would be closed and modified for outdoor activity. The fitness center would be converted to office and meeting space. The gym and tennis courts would be used for their previous purposes.

After conferring with planning and zoning officials, it was determined a permit would not be required and the matter would not have to go before the planning board for approval, he said.

Whether the health Department purchases the property remains to be seen. Lockard said the health department board is still exploring the idea, though no decisions have been made.

“It’s a good property,” he said. “It has great potential.”

The YMCA closed in December 2016, and the buildings and equipment were sold at auction in February. Winchester Federal Bank, which held the mortgage on the property, purchased the buildings and ground for $410,000 on Feb. 24. YMCA board chairman Brian Thomas estimated the Y owed about $440,000 on its mortgage when it closed.

The Y board said declining membership and increasing maintenance costs as reasons for the closure.

A message left at Winchester Federal Bank was not returned by press time.

About Whitney Leggett

Whitney Leggett is managing editor of The Winchester Sun and Winchester Living magazine. To contact her, email whitney.leggett@winchestersun.com or call 859-759-0049.

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