Once the floor was open to the public, Kasarda and Berglund acknowledged and addressed the following concerns:

• A resident was concerned about whether sidewalks around the site would be closed during construction because of the number of daily walkers. Kasarda reported yes, sidewalks would need to be closed for safety during construction with walkers being safely diverted across the street to other sidewalks. The team reported they would talk with the Town of Chesterton, who oversees the detour sidewalks that the resident deemed unsafe and try to level out via grinding if feasible. A second resident piggybacked off this concern asking if the track would remain open during demolition and construction, which Kasarda said it would be until the very end of those phases, because that could be a safe walking alternative for residents.

• Dog dropping concerns from a resident, if walkers diverted away from the current stations onsite. Kasarda said that while he hopes people are encouraged to be responsible with their pets, the Y cannot police them.

• Campus neighbor voiced concerns about parking, specifically along Morgan in front of her house. Berglund assured the resident that during construction workers will park inside the fenced off area and not on the roads. He went on to explain that the eventual new, larger parking lot put in by the Y will help with parking in the long run for residents as visitors won’t have any need to park on the street. Later, a second resident asked if they foresee the need for a parking garage because of the increased traffic coming to the campus, but again Berglund said his team is confident with their calculations for the parking lot size and the Y has no plans to build such a structure.

• Another resident asked if there are future plans for an outdoor pool on campus. Kasarda said he would not recommend such an addition to the Board of Directors because it is simply too expensive for the non-profit to justify for the 10-week period the outdoor pool can be open. In recent years, the pool at 215 Roosevelt Street was only operational approximately 40 days out of the 70 days open because of the weather. He went on to explain that the current indoor pool will remain chlorinated, not salt water as a resident inquired about, and will remain at one controlled temperature.

• A member was concerned about spikes in fees as Y transitions to new location. Kasarda explained that the organization has no intention of implementing drastic rate changes. “We aren’t looking to increase rates to cover this, and we aren’t looking to go into debt with this, which is why we are tackling it in phases.”

• A community member asked if the Y had any plans for those who would want a piece of history from the former Chesterton High School, such as the bricks that the Yost PTO had available. Kasarda reported that, “The Duneland School Corporation has been diligent to go through and do their best to preserve the important historical items and you will see the new entry here at the Y will reflect that Chesterton High School was here.”

• Someone is the audience asked for clarification on what an “airnasium” is. Kasarda explained that is a structure sturdier than a typical park structure with concrete flooring, restrooms, and a kitchen. The Y envisions that it will be used for camps, classes, concerts, family reunions, etc.

• An inquiry was made about updating sidewalks and streets around the YHLC for better traffic flow and management. Kasarda and Berglund both spoke on the subject of connecting local trails to the campus as well as working with the Duneland Chamber to best direct traffic back into downtown to benefit local small businesses. Both noted that the Town of Chesterton and their parks department have been collaborating on such logistics regularly during the Y’s planning phases, with board member Elizabeth Adcock, who was in the audience, stating that they were doing their best to get through red tape in order to secure safe passage to the campus for all, especially the local youth.

• The last community concern of the night was from a resident asking what happens to the large-scale project when the money runs dry? Kasarda replied that, “This is a marathon, which will take several years to complete, and we ask for your patience and support.” Reiterating that the project will take place in phases to ensure successful completion, Berglund stated, “Spring of 2025 we will have an enclosed building, parking lot, green space including the Cleveland Cliffs Park. We will not be leaving you with a hole in the ground.”