LOVELAND — The Planning and Zoning Commission has approved the first of two steps required for building a controversial YMCA project in Phillips Park.

        In an unanimous vote Monday, the four-member commission OK'd a conditional-use permit requested by the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati. The $5 million, 37,000-square-foot facility is proposed for a site off Rich Road. The YMCA would be built on 8 acres in Phillips Park, which the city is leasing to the YMCA at no cost.

        The approval was granted with the condition that improvements be made to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Gerry Stoker, the city's director of building, zoning and development, said site plans have to be approved before construction can begin.

        Foes claim the YMCA would hurt the character of the park, increase traffic and displace several ball fields. The Committee to Save Phillips Park collected more than 600 signatures from Loveland and nearby communities, and hired an attorney to fight the project.

        Loveland resident Paul Elliott said he was disappointed by the commission's decision.

        “We will be appealing the decision of the planning and zoning board to the board of zoning appeal,” he said.

        Mayor Donna Lajcak called the decision “a victory for our kids.”

        The YMCA in Loveland will be named in honor of Charles Kubicki and his wife, Mary, who donated $1 million for the project.

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