YMCA representative says licensing paperwork caused CO confusion; commission asks for TCO by October

The Town of Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission pressed the YMCA of Greenwich on safety and permitting after the applicant acknowledged an administrative mix‑up over its Certificate of Occupancy for early learning classrooms.

“It was an oversight in terms of sending…pictures to formally close out the application,” said Gordon Minot, representing the YMCA, describing how the organization had been operating under the belief that zoning sign‑offs had allowed licensing. Minot said the classrooms were not rebuilt and that the Office of Early Childhood measured and licensed the rooms before operation.

Commissioners focused on child safety and operational details. One member told the YMCA it needed to supply a temporary CO (TCO) or full CO before the commission would feel comfortable finalizing approval. The commission asked the applicant to return with site and floor plans that clearly show the drop‑off loop, the location of low‑height dividing walls and gates inside classrooms, and documentation that sewer permits and other building close‑outs are complete. “If you could get the CO or at least the TCO by Oct. 17, then we would be in a place to make a decision at that time,” the Chair said to the applicant.

The YMCA described staffing practices and safety measures for pickup and drop‑off: designated parking signage in the Mason and Putnam lots, a staffed drop‑off line with one attendant and additional floater teachers, enforced violations for unauthorized parking, and car tags and communications for parents. Minot said the program is keeping lower internal caps than state licensing allows and has added leadership-level staff to support licensed growth. “We do take the quality and care of children in our care very seriously,” Minot said.

The commission left the matter open and asked the YMCA to return with the requested TCO/CO evidence, clearer circulation and floor plans, and confirmation of closed sewer permits before the October meeting. If those items are not resolved, the application will be continued.