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Council approves 50% permit‑fee waiver for Crowell Family YMCA’s $14 million renovation
Summary
Council approved staff’s recommendation to waive half of estimated permitting fees (about $82,890) for the Crowell Family YMCA’s proposed $14 million renovation, citing community services and accessibility improvements; YMCA leaders and residents urged full waiver but council opted for 50%.
The City Council voted Jan. 21 to approve a 50% waiver of permitting and development fees — an estimated $82,890 — for the Crowell Family YMCA’s proposed $14 million renovation.
Community Development Director Erica Ramirez told the council the YMCA seeks to modernize its facility with swim and fitness upgrades, expanded program space, ADA improvements and sustainability features. Staff calculated permitting and related fees at about $165,794 and recommended a 50% waiver under the city’s fee-waiver authority. "Staff finds sufficient cause exists and recommends a 50% fee waiver totaling approximately $82,890," Ramirez said.
Jason Ramos, executive director of the Crowell Family YMCA, described the Y’s community role, including serving as a donation and recovery site after the 2025 fires. "We became a donation and recovery location," Ramos said, noting ongoing programs that support families and seniors and the Y’s subsidized programming for those in need.
Speakers at the podium — including long-time YMCA members — urged the council to maximize financial support to reduce fundraising pressure. One speaker explicitly requested a 100% waiver; councilmembers acknowledged those appeals but said city policy requires balancing community benefit with recovery of direct city costs that cannot be waived.
Council voted to approve staff’s recommendation; the motion passed on roll call. Staff said the city will proceed with permit processing and a planned launch of upgraded monthly budget reporting tied to an ongoing Springbrook system implementation.
The staff recommendation and supporting documents are in the council packet for those seeking further line-item detail on the fee estimate and fee categories.
