Tensions ran high at the Kendall Community Council meeting Tuesday night when more than 100 people turned out to hear the final ruling on the proposed expansion of the South Dade branch of the YMCA.

The council voted unanimously for the $10.3 million expansion, which includes a swimming pool, gym and additional parking in the next two to three years.

A parking garage and other amenities will be built in the next 10 to 15 years. The cost has not been determined.

``We are very excited about this,'' said Alfred Sanchez, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Miami. ``We have a vision to serve one out of 10 people, and one way to do that is to build.''

The changes will take place in three phrases at the facility, 9355 SW 134th St.

``The YMCA does so much good for our community,'' said Commissioner Jorge Garcia. ``One of the people who spoke were a father and a son who use the gym as a way to bond.''

Sanchez said the expansion was prompted in part by demand.

``Our membership is higher than the national average; people are dying to join,'' Sanchez said. ``But when people can't get a machine . . . they'll start to think, `I'm paying monthly and I can't even work out on my own time.' ''

Although the vote was unanimous, three of the seven council members were not present during the meeting. Commissioners Alberto Santana, Angela Vazquez and Peggy Brodeur were not there for the YMCA vote.

Hank Shechter, who lives in Briar Bay Townhouses, the neighborhood across from the YMCA, was not happy.

``I'm still upset for multiple reasons,'' said Shechter, 47. ``Since all the commissioners weren't there, we don't know if we could have swayed them to our side.''

Shechter was primarily concerned about the parking garage, which will be built about 100 feet from his front door.

He and his neighbors voiced fears of traffic, lower property values and noise.

``The issues the neighbors raised were legitimate concerns, but we had very strict criteria that we had to follow,'' said Commissioner Jorge Valdes. ``Traffic was the only one within code to make modifications.''

Construction will begin on the YMCA next summer, part of Phase One that includes the swimming pool and more parking spaces.

Two other agenda items at the meeting were deferred to the Nov. 4 meeting. One item called for deleting provisions that would restrict a grocery store or supermarket operating in retail space on 7700-98 North Kendall Dr. The item was deferred to give both parties enough time to research with expert witnesses.

The second item was to change the zoning for land on 11605 SW 95th St., from a AU, agricultural district, to a RU-5A, a semi-professional office district. The issue was deferred because of time.

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