More than 100 people showed up on Sept. 1 at a Kendall Community Council meeting to speak out on the YMCA of Greater Miami's expansion project at the South Dade facility.

Officials at the YMCA hope to enact a three-part plan and gradually expand the facilities until 2025. The expansion will include a gymnasium, swimming pool, parking garages and other amenities.

They want to add to the location, at 9355 SW 134th St., as membership and need grows.

``The YMCA has been using every square inch of the facility, and we're requesting to modify the site plan,'' said Melissa Tapanes Llahues, of Bercow Radell & Fernandez, who represents the YMCA.

The council postponed action until Oct. 6, because the large turnout prevented them from hearing both sides of the issue.

Barbara Wayne, who lives in neighboring Briar Bay Townhouses, across from the YMCA, is against the expansion, fearing traffic flow issues.

``We love the YMCA,'' said Wayne, 71, who attended the meeting. ``We don't want people to think we're against them.''

The entrance to the YMCA will be across from the Briar Bay entrance, which will present traffic problems ``and cause many accidents,'' she said.

Wayne, president of the Briar Bay Townhouse Homeowners Association, said she will also be at the next meeting to speak against the proposal.

Other residents were upset that the YMCA plans to remove the clay tennis courts and outdoor basketball courts.

But the council has little control over how the property is used.

``We're there to make sure they have correct parking spaces, that the building makes sense and to make variances if they need them,'' said Chairwoman Carla Ascencio-Savola. ``As far as mediating between the YMCA and neighbors based on games they can play, we're not there for that.''

Savola and other council members hope to take a final vote next month.

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