The "Raise the Roof" campaign has raised over $1.1 million toward the $2.4 project that will allow expansion of programs and services at the club.
View full sizeThis is an artist's rendering depicting the planned "Raise the Roof" renovation of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield; the club has surpassed the half-way mark in raising $2.4 million for the project.WESTFIELD – The Boys and Girls Club is prepared to begin construction on a $2.4 million upwards-type addition at its West Silver Street facility by June with completion in time to launch fall programs by late August or early September.
The Planning Board last week approved the necessary permits that include height limitations and shared parking with nearby South Middle School.
The expansion plan, announced last year, calls for construction of a second story on the existing building, relocating gymnasium and other facilities to the new second floor.
Club Director William R. Parks said “our intent is to begin construction in June and complete it by the end of August. We need this expansion available for use for September.”
The club's Board of Directors approved the project last year and launched a “Raise the Roof” campaign under the stewardship of Holly Amanti, Patti A. Andrus, Tricia Knapik and Lisa Sullivan to finance the endeavor.
To date, the campaign has raised at least $1.1 million, Parks has said.
The existing club was opened in 1991 and Parks said the facility is now too small to meet the needs of its 1,600 members.
The project includes renovation of the front entrance, updating the kitchen, the new gymnasium, storage and office space. It will allow the club to expand current programs and services and create additional ones, Parks said.
The 30-foot height limitation by zoning was amended by city officials to allow the building to extend to 56-feet in height.
In other action, the Planning Board continued consideration to May plans for anew restaurant to be located at Little River Plaza off East Main Street.
The plaza owners have filed a request to convert property of the former Andrew Grant Diamond Jewelers into a 2,700 square-foot restaurant featuring Five Guys Burgers & Fries.
The request includes changes in the entrance to the plaza at the building site which must be approved by the state Department of Transportation.
The Planning Board referred the matter to its May 3 meeting to allow time for the DOT review.