PORTAGE | There is no short-term solution to deal with increased traffic congestion at the entrance of the Portage Township YMCA on Willowcreek Road.

In the long term, said officials of both the city and the YMCA at Thursday's Traffic Commission meeting, they hope to see someone develop the property to the south of the YMCA and allow extension of Robbins Road for safer access to the Y's parking lot.

But for now, drivers in the area are asked to use extra caution.

The problem is predominantly for northbound drivers wanting to make a left turn into the YMCA. At certain times of the day, the center turn lane becomes backed up and blocks southbound traffic from turning onto Robbins Road.

YMCA Executive Director Dave Kasarda said members have raised concerns. He said several years ago the YMCA contacted the owner of the property to the south to see about securing a piece of land, but that the cost was "out of our range."

Director of Public Works Craig Hendrix said the problem will be solved when a developer purchases that property and extends Robbins Road to the west of Willowcreek Road. However, he added, the city is not in the position to purchase the property and construct the road extension.

Members tossed out other possible solutions, such as using the northernmost entrance, which would give more distance between the Y's entrance and Robbins Road, but Kasarda said he didn't know if there was enough room to run a road in front the building to the parking lot and that part of the area is earmarked for future expansion.

Member Ed Lloyd suggested making the entrance to the Y as right in/right out only.

Kasarda said that too would be difficult as much of the membership comes from the south and would likely use the next business to the north as a turn around. It also could be a problem for school buses that drop children off at the building.