Saugus Planning Board continues YMCA hearing

SAUGUS – The Saugus Planning Board continued a hearing for a new 12,000 square-foot gymnastics center at the Saugus YMCA.Mike Laham of Engineering Alliance said the new center would impact traffic with 20 total trips in the morning and 17 at night, which he called a “modest impact.”Laham also said about 1,300 cubic yards of material would need to be removed from the area which would include some blasting.Some residents who live next to the YMCA had concerns about noise and safety issues with a lack of a crosswalk.?These are all things I want to get brought up now,” said Dale Tapley, who lives across the street. “I don?t want to be the first one to wake up in the morning and see someone splattered on a bumper. I?m the one that?s going to be living across the street from them and if I have a chance to say what I have to say, then great.”Bruce Macdonald, president and CEO of YMCA Metro North, said hours and noise would be similar to what is already at the YMCA.Macdonald also said the center “may or may not” be rented out for events and would probably generate more than 17 cars sometimes.The Department of Public Works and the Police Department had no objections, according to Planning Board Chairman Peter Rossetti.In other business, the board continued a hearing for Savers, a new retail store to be located next to the DSW shoe store and Auto Zone at 1160 Broadway. Savers sells secondhand items like clothing, jewelry and household goods that are donated to the store.Some residents opposed the plan because of fears that people would constantly be dumping items at the store.?My concern is ? I?ve been at the Danvers location and there are boxes and items thrown under the canopy of the building, and it?s quite unsightly at times,” said Town Meeting member Pamela Goodwin.The Planning Board will meet again on March 7.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].