The YMCA of Greater Rochester is taking steps to move forward with a new location in Pittsford. This week, it submitted a formal site plan to the town’s planning board for a 140,000 sq. ft. project at the northwest corner of Jefferson Road and Clover Street.

It would replace the current Southeast YMCA in Pittsford which is about three times smaller than what’s being proposed. YMCA officials said it’s going to be one of the biggest facilities in the country, and it’s being dubbed, ‘the regional campus for healthy living”.

President and CEO George Romell said it’s a much needed upgrade.

“The reality is there’s five other facilities that we have in Rochester that have eclipsed the Southeast branch and are much bigger now, but the service area continues to grow,” he said.

Romell told News 8 the new site will be on par with the Eastside branch in Penfield, but even bigger, boasting a much larger aquatic facility, more classrooms, a senior center, and an onsite medical facility.

Pittsford Town Supervisor Bill Smith said the project is shaping up to be the most ambitious and significant development Pittsford has seen in years.

“As I’ve learned more about this going on, I’ve realized this is not your grandfather’s YMCA anymore. This is something very different, and I think this is going to be a very welcomed addition to Pittsford,” said Smith.

Romell pointed out although they haven’t completed renderings of the building yet, it’s going to be very unique, with two floors, a basement level with a walk out entrance, and room for 675 parking spaces.

“We believe that the majority of the main components are already done. That we’ve got the general layout, which was approved by the town board. The general scope and size, how tall, all of those things are already incorporated and that’s what we’re designing too,” said Romell.

The next challenge for the YMCA is getting the funding it needs to build the project. The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council already awarded the project $1.45 million in state aid, and the Y plans to raise $15 million on their own. The project is estimated to have a total price tag of $40 million.



Romell hopes to have construction begin this time next year, with an opening date in Fall 2019. The project will now go before the town planning board.