Groundbreaking ceremony held for new YMCA at former Good Samaritan site

WHIO Staff
·2 min read

New construction is taking place at the site of the former Good Samaritan Hospital.

>> PHOTOS: Groundbreaking ceremony held for new YMCA at former Good Samaritan site

The decision to close the facility sparked outrage and protest, but the closure and demolition still happened and left an empty field.

News Center 7′s Mike Campbell was there to speak to planners as a new Northwest Health and Wellness Center groundbreaking took place.

>> Previous Coverage: City commission approves plans for former Good Samaritan site

It’s been more than four years since Premier closed Good Samaritan Hospital. Many thought there would never be a replacement, but Friday’s groundbreaking for the facility offered new hope.

Dozens of dignitaries engaged in a symbolic turn of the shovel that they believe is a symbol Northwest Dayton can turn things around.

They all gathered for the celebration of the Northwest Dayton Health and Wellness Center, anchored by a brand new YMCA.

“We are going to have hard-hat tours so people can see it and be excited,” said Dale Brunner, President & CEO of Greater Dayton YMCA.

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Also inside the building will be facilities for Goodwill industries, CareSource, County Corp, focusing on affordable housing, Wright State, focusing on education and a Premier Health Urgent Care Center.

Elected leaders told News Center 7 this neighborhood is too important to walk away from.

“We are taking what we have and making lemons out of lemonade,” said Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims.

“This isn’t enough but it is a major step, will help people with health care, their physical and mental well-being and bring dollars to the community,” said Senator Sherrod Brown.

Not everyone is satisfied with this step. A couple of protestors were ushered away from the ceremony.

The closure and demolition of Good Samaritan Hospital, beginning in 2018, sparked protest from a coalition of community groups.

A few of them held signs on the sidewalk, saying an urgent care is expensive and not 24/7 care.

“This is not a facility for this neighborhood, this neighborhood needs emergency care, maternity care, they need chronic care and the hospital beds to support those services,” said Nancy Kiehl, a protester.

Leaders, including the new CEO of Premier Health who just moved into Dayton, said this is a good use of the property and he’s glad they didn’t sell it.

“I’m glad we didn’t, this is the best way to move forward and be involved in the community and have that trust and commitment,” said Michael Riordan, President & CEO of Premier Health.

Community leaders hope to finish the project in December of next year.