CYC's Lake Washington Fleet Council is taking the lead on looking for long-range alternatives to the Leschi clubhouse, which the club is leaving after the landlord announced plans to hike the rent by 33 percent on Jan. 1.
Lake Council Chairman Tom Colligan said the council hopes to begin brainstorming to find a Leschi solution in December. Later, when the group comes up with some ideas, it will establish a task force dedicated to the issue.
"I think this is going to be a long-term project," Colligan said. "We're not going to solve this overnight, and we want to assemble as many ideas from as many people as possible."
The club leadership group has made addressing the Leschi situation one of its highest priorities for 2009. Eventually, the task force will come to the board with a recommendation.
The club board voted Oct. 13 to vacate the Leschi facility, which would have cost more than $50,000 per year under the landlord's proposal. The proposed lease also included a 270-day cancellation clause. The owners reportedly have tentative plans to re-develop the property.
In spite of the temporary loss of a clubhouse, CYC plans no reductions in the lake racing program, which has experienced a surge in participation over the last few years.
The club already has had discussions with the owners of the BluWater Bistro, directly above the Leschi clubhouse, about having post-race gatherings in their restaurant next season.