Community

Bond Issued for West Suburban YMCA Expansion

The former Boston Sports Club facility at 135 Wells Ave. / Photo courtesy of The West Suburban YMCA

Newton, MA – MassDevelopment has issued an $11.7 million tax-exempt bond on behalf of the West Suburban YMCA, which will use proceeds to buy, renovate, and equip the former Boston Sports Clubs facility at 135 Wells Ave., situated on an approximately six-acre parcel, to serve as a second full-service branch of the organization.

Founded in 1877, the West Suburban YMCA currently has one full-service branch at 276 Church St. in Newton. The second branch, expected to open by fall 2022, will allow the organization to expand its recreational and programming opportunities and serve additional members. The organization expects to create 12 new full-time jobs and 70 new part-time jobs over the next three years. Dedham Savings purchased the bond.

“We are thrilled to be able to advance this project thanks to the tremendous support of MassDevelopment and the affordable financing opportunity provided through the agency along with Dedham Savings Bank,” said West Suburban YMCA president and CEO, Jack Fucci. “This project will allow us to expand recreational and programming opportunities for youth and support additional members in their quest to lead healthy lives. The West Suburban Y is one of the oldest YMCAs in the country and primarily serves Newton, Wellesley, Watertown, Weston, Belmont and all surrounding communities. We look forward to holding a grand opening for our second location in Newton that will expand our mission and make the Y even more accessible to the communities we serve.”