The York Paddle and Pickleball Club is close to securing final approval for its long-debated expansion. On January 29, the Planning Board granted preliminary approval for a revised project focused solely on parking and lighting improvements, following four years of negotiations and concessions.
Project Scaled Back Amid Noise Concerns
Originally proposed in 2021, the expansion at 28 Mill Lane included two additional pickleball courts, a new paddle tennis court, and parking and lighting upgrades. However, after strong opposition from residents regarding noise concerns, the club scaled back its plans, eliminating the new courts. Robert Ellis, a neighboring resident and vocal opponent, acknowledged that the revised plan was finally acceptable.
“I think this will be a happy balance as long as the fencing does work.” – (Robert Ellis)
He previously opposed the expansion due to the disruptive sound of pickleball games in the area. Planning Board members clarified that since no new courts were included, they did not need to review noise levels in the approval process. However, club officials assured the community that sound buffers would still be added.
“We are doing it out of goodness to try to mitigate sound. In the spirit that we’re trying to be here as good neighbors.” – (Vice President Mark Ford)
Club Growth and Community Response
Founded in 2007 as a paddle tennis facility, the club introduced four pickleball courts in 2020, leading to a surge in membership from 35 to 300, with a 200-person waiting list. Seeking to accommodate this growth, the club applied for expansion, but community members objected due to noise concerns.
During a 2022 Planning Board meeting, resident George Gendron described the sound as “annoying beyond belief,” while Ellis noted that his granddaughter had trouble sleeping during visits due to the noise. The club attempted to address these concerns by hiring a sound expert, but their findings were challenged by the town’s consultant and another expert hired by Ellis.
By 2023, the club decided to drop plans for additional pickleball courts and, later, the paddle tennis court. At the January 29 meeting, club officials confirmed that improving parking was now their only expansion request. The plan does not increase the number of spaces but restructures them for better safety.
Planning Board members commended the club for its adjustments, which also include limiting light spillage toward residences and exploring the addition of an ADA-compliant bathroom. “I’m pleased to see your generous offers here because that’s what they are,” Planning Board member Peter Smith said regarding the club’s sound mitigation efforts.
Balancing Growth and Neighborhood Harmony
Club President Rich Goodenough acknowledged the significant concessions made to reach approval.
“We’ve surrendered the two extra pickleball courts and also now the paddle tennis. Our only source of additional growth or revenue to grow our business, we’ve surrendered that in an effort to be here and get a yes from you, and obviously to be good neighbors.” – (Rich Goodenough)
With final approval imminent, the club can move forward with its revised project, signaling a compromise between its expansion goals and community concerns.
News in Brief: York Paddle and Pickleball Club
The York Paddle Tennis and Pickleball Club is nearing final approval for its expansion after years of debate. Noise concerns led to the removal of additional courts, leaving only parking and lighting improvements. The club’s concessions aim to balance growth and community concerns, with final approval expected soon.
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