Robert Rodriguez described the YMCA as the “cornerstone of life” in the close-knit Village of Johnson City.
Rodriguez, president and CEO of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), was in town March 3 to highlight a $1.41 million NY BRICKS investment supporting renovations at the West Family YMCA in Johnson City.
The funding from NY BRICKS (Build Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors) will be used to modernize and upgrade the facility for the 10,000 residents served at 740 Main St.
“It’s about the community, it’s about the families here in Johnson City and Union that get supported by the work that happens here. It’s about making sure we put your dollars back in the community that you love and to receive the services that you deserve,” Rodriguez said during his remarks.
DASNY is a public financial and construction authority managing an estimated $13 billion in active projects across the state. It also issues $10 billion in bonds annually to support hospitals, healthcare, higher education institutes and nonprofit organizations.
Gov. Kathy Hochul included $100 million in the state budget to launch the Unplug and Play initiative that encourages New Yorkers to get outside and connected.
“It’s a simple truth that when we empower people to do great things … that great things continue to happen,” Johnson City Mayor Christina Charuk said while giving examples of how the YMCA has kept the community connected through annual coat drives, Thanksgiving meals and water aerobics classes.
Gareth Sansom,CEO for the YMCA of Broome County, said the award will make a “huge difference” for the residents the YMCA serves on a daily basis.
“We’ll be able to look at our space, we’ll be able to look at the demands of our community and what they need and we’ll be able to renovate that space to ensure kids can continue to learn, that families can continue to connect, that our seniors have somewhere to stay active and health which leads to independence and ultimately the community can continue to thrive,” Sansom said.
How the $1.4 million will be used to reimagine the West Family YMCA
The renovations will start at the top before moving to other parts of the building to ensure a safe and accessible facility.
Sansom and his team are most excited about introducing “a dynamic outdoor multigenerational space” for visitors to enjoy and explore.
Improvements include:
New York Senator Lea Webb thanked Sansom and his team for their continued efforts to represent the legacy of the YMCA.
“A legacy that is rooted in opportunity and access. Opportunity for us to establish more resources for recreation and improving access to things that people may not necessarily have the ability to afford, but deserve it,” Webb said.
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo may be serving her last term but plans to keep a close eye on the project as it progresses. It’s a full circle moment for legislative members to see investments happen in real time, Lupardo said.
“We see these lines in the budget and know what’s behind it because we have these stories to tell … it’s more than just a line on the budget sheet, these are real people’s lives,” Lupardo said.
Sansom expects renovations to begin in the coming months with an ambitious goal to have the project completed by Thanksgiving.
Kalyn Grant reports on public service issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, focusing on schools and community impact. Have a story to share? Follow her on Instagram @KalynCarmen and on Facebook under Kalyn Kearney. Get in touch at KCGrant@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: West Family YMCA awarded $1.4 million for improvements. What’s planned
Reporting by Kalyn Grant, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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