Rome YMCA to open new facility that 'can serve more people, especially children'

The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley in Rome is well on its way to finally realizing its almost five-year dream of relocating to a new modern facility within the city.

The organization recently announced it selected SpringCity Development Group, a subsidiary of Bonacio Construction Inc., as the developer for the future Rome YMCA, a 42,000-square-foot center. The facility will be built on the former Woodhaven site on Floyd Avenue at the cross section between Griffiss Business and Technology Park, Mohawk Valley Community College and the Rome Free Academy Campus.

There has been talk about opening a new YMCA branch in Rome to replace the aging facility on West Bloomfield Street since 2018.

“We are very excited to pursue this opportunity,” said Tri-Valley YMCA CEO Hank Leo. “The space is large enough for a full facility and outdoor space for programming, especially for kids. It is complementing the City’s economic development plan, as well as Oneida County’s.

“It is close to Griffiss Business Park, within walking distance of Rome Free Academy and is adjacent to the Bonacio Construction housing project, which is providing a boost to the community.”

Here is what we know as the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley begins finalizing plans.

Why was the facility delayed?

Like it did with many other things, the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on the YMCA’s original plans.

Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo said community and developer engagement for a new YMCA was well underway prior to the pandemic.

In fact, there were original target dates of building construction in 2021, with building occupancy in 2022, Izzo said.

Izzo said YMCA staff faced many hurdles complying with state rules concerning the virus. The facility was actually forced to close due to NYS health mandates, which required the new building project to be pushed back as reopening and recovering membership became the top priorities of YMCA administration, according to Izzo.

“Now that those issues are in the rearview mirror, the new YMCA is once again on solid footing to proceed,” Izzo said.

Why a new location is needed

Leo said the current building on West Bloomfield Street is 52 years old and sits on 2 acres of land. The building also is landlocked and cannot be developed, Leo said.

The three-story YMCA building also is in need of substantial repair, something that is not possible, Leo said.

"A number of past capital campaigns have addressed facility needs, but at 52-years-old, many of the repairs and upgrades are simply not feasible,” Leo said. “There is also space for only 100 parking spaces and no outdoor play space for children.”

What is the project's new timeline?

Site development and construction planning will occur between now and July of 2023, with a September 2023 groundbreaking projected and a grand opening in the fall of 2024, according to information provided by the YMCA

The proposed new facility is a 42,000-square-foot, two-story building that is projected to cost $20 million.

According to the YMCA, a market feasibility study identified an aquatic center as the number one need, to include a multi-use pool and locker rooms. An indoor walking/running track above the gymnasium was the number two need, followed by childcare, cardiovascular, strength training and group exercise spaces.

Outdoor grounds for summer day camp programming and adequate parking were also identified as top needs.

The YMCA has hired an independent, third-party development consultant, The George Philanthropy Group, to help raise the required funds.

The consultant is meeting with local and regional businesses, foundations and elected officials to determine the support that can be generated for the new facility.

The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley also was the recipient of a $2 million CFA grant through New York State and Oneida County has committed to $2 million toward the project already.

“The city administration and Common Council voted unanimously to transfer approximately 7 acres of the former Patriot Meadows land to support the development of a new YMCA facility, which will complement MVCC, Griffiss Business and Technology Park, Rome Free Academy and the Woodhaven housing complex in this new location accessible on public transportation routes,” Izzo said.

What will happen to the old facility?

Officials from the YMCA are already looking into what best to do with the older building once the new site is open.

The YMCA is working with a company interested in converting the space for senior affordable housing, which is a much-needed resource in the greater Rome Region, officials said.

Moving forward

Leo said the community has been calling for a new YMCA facility in Rome for a long time.

Members are excited about the move and new equipment and opportunities, Leo added.

Leo said YMCA officials feel they have listened closely to the community, and have performed significant diligence in understanding the needs.

The community will be proud of the new YMCA, Leo said.

“Change is always difficult, because people are comfortable in 'what has always been,' but in this case, a new YMCA is needed,” Leo said. “Rather than spend donor and member dollars on excessive repairs, we are moving to a new location which can serve more people, especially children who need programs and services.

“We have strong partnerships with Rome City Schools, Mohawk Valley Edge, MVCC, the Rome Chamber of Commerce, Rome Health and many other community organizations who serve as our partners. All are in favor of the new space and are equally excited to see it come to fruition.”

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: YMCA in Rome advances plan for a new modern facility