YMCA looking at Center City in downtown Sch'dy as possible site for new branch
The Business Review (Albany) by Michael DeMasi The Business Review
The Center City Sportsplex in downtown Schenectady could become the new home for a YMCA under a proposal that's still in its early stages, officials said.
David Brown, president and CEO of the Capital District YMCA, has talked to the property owner, Galesi Group of Rotterdam, about possibly converting the multi-purpose building on State Street into a YMCA branch.
Brown stressed Center City is just "one option that has very good potential." He has yet to speak with major donors who have helped the YMCA raise $4 million over the past three years toward a new Schenectady branch.
"I have several large donors and I need to make sure I talk with them and make sure they are comfortable with this plan," Brown said. "If they say they don't like the plan it flushes everything down the toilet."
David Buicko, chief operating officer of Galesi Group, said it's too early to say whether the YMCA will wind up in the building.
The Galesi Group took ownership of the property in February and is planning a major redevelopment of the 170,000-square-foot, block-long building using a $2.5 million state grant. Center City has retail stores, offices, an indoor soccer field and a rock-climbing wall.
In November 2004, the YMCA announced plans to build a branch on Nott Street as part of a new office park proposed by the Galesi Group.
The new Y would replace an old branch at 13 State St. that also provides housing to men who are homeless or struggling with addictions.
The Y set a fund-raising goal of $8 million for the project.
But the YMCA was forced to look at alternatives after fund-raising was slower than anticipated and the Golub Corp. said it would build its new headquarters on the Nott Street parcel. The Golub headquarters will occupy the entire site.
A vacant piece of industrial land on Peek Street across from the Golub site was suggested as a possible option but Brown said the location wasn't good because of the parcel's poor visibility.
Center City has several things going for it, Brown said.
It is centrally located, has sufficient parking in the rear, is on a bus line and would be convenient for downtown employees who want to exercise or drop their children off at day care.
Just as important, Brown said, is it would be cheaper to convert an existing building into a YMCA than to build something from the ground up. As a result, the $4 million that has already been raised could make Center City more feasible than other sites, he said.
Does the Metroplex have a plan or do they just shoot from the hip. The Metroplex is clearly spending our money like water! First it's the failed Van Dyke, then the Big House now the YMCA. And their are tons more. So did the YMCA not locate on Nott Street because Mr. Golub, who is on the Metroplex, won out?
A YMCA in the middle of this downtown section just don't fit in the the bars and the restaurants. What are they even thinking? Seems like they are just grabbing at straws.
It's time to suck it up and abolish this money pit of a Metroplex.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Ray Gillen, chairman of the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority, said the first floor has been shown to other potential users "for months." At this point the agency would like to see a retail store or something else other than a restaurant.
SCHENECTADY Golub moving head office Company announces long-term growth plan BY JAMES SCHLETT Gazette Reporter
“It’s a great project, a great win,” said Metroplex Development Authority Chairman Ray Gillen. The city’s YMCA is raising funds so it can relocate its State Street facility to the Big N property, which has been dubbed College Park. The new YMCA will be built on a 5-acre site behind Golub’s headquarters, on Peek Street. The Graduate College of Union University had also eyed College Park for an $8 million, three-story classroom and office building. Union is now looking to build that facility elsewhere in the city, said Gillen. “A lot is going to spin off this. You’re going to see a lot come out of that area because of Price Chopper,” said state Sen. Hugh Farley, R-Niskayuna. Neil Golub said his company will have a “green” headquarters in Schenectady. It will incorporate an energy-efficient deign that should get Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. He said the proposed YMCA — with its day care facility — made College Park a big draw for Golub. Union College, which should be able to provide a steady stream of skilled workers, also attracted Golub to downtown. “We’re really going to make an effort to do something spectacular there,” said Neil Golub.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
YMCA looking at Center City in downtown Sch'dy as possible site for new branch The Business Review (Albany) - by Michael DeMasi The Business Review
The Center City Sportsplex in downtown Schenectady could become the new home for a YMCA under a proposal that's still in its early stages, officials said.
David Brown, president and CEO of the Capital District YMCA, has talked to the property owner, Galesi Group of Rotterdam, about possibly converting the multi-purpose building on State Street into a YMCA branch.
Brown stressed Center City is just "one option that has very good potential." He has yet to speak with major donors who have helped the YMCA raise $4 million over the past three years toward a new Schenectady branch.
"I have several large donors and I need to make sure I talk with them and make sure they are comfortable with this plan," Brown said. "If they say they don't like the plan it flushes everything down the toilet."
David Buicko, chief operating officer of Galesi Group, said it's too early to say whether the YMCA will wind up in the building.
The Galesi Group took ownership of the property in February and is planning a major redevelopment of the 170,000-square-foot, block-long building using a $2.5 million state grant. Center City has retail stores, offices, an indoor soccer field and a rock-climbing wall.
In November 2004, the YMCA announced plans to build a branch on Nott Street as part of a new office park proposed by the Galesi Group.
The new Y would replace an old branch at 13 State St. that also provides housing to men who are struggling with addictions and other problems.
The Y set a fund-raising goal of $8 million for the project.
But the YMCA was forced to look at alternatives after fund-raising was slower than anticipated and the Golub Corp. said it would build its new headquarters on the Nott Street parcel. The Golub headquarters will occupy the entire site.
A vacant piece of industrial land on Peek Street across from the Golub site was suggested as a possible option but Brown said the location wasn't good because of the parcel's poor visibility.
Center City has several things going for it, Brown said.
It is centrally located, has sufficient parking in the rear, is on a bus line and would be convenient for downtown employees who want to exercise or drop their children off at day care.
Just as important, Brown said, is it would be cheaper to convert an existing building into a YMCA than to build something from the ground up. As a result, the $4 million that has already been raised could make Center City more feasible than other sites, he said.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
SCHENECTADY YMCA shifts gear, eyes Center City Officials say new branch could be built for $4M BY KATHLEEN MOORE Gazette Reporter
The YMCA is paring down its plans for an ambitious and expensive new city branch. Instead of spending more than $8 million on a new building near Union College, the agency may move into Center City at the heart of downtown. It would be much cheaper to build a YMCA branch on the ground floor of Center City than to construct a brandnew building, Capital District YMCA President and CEO J. David Brown said. Although he won’t know the full cost until architects draw up the plans and engineers survey Center City, he said, it’s possible the branch could be done there for about $4 million — the amount of money raised so far for the project. “In preliminary conversations about the concept, we feel we could build something,” Brown said. “We could definitely deliver a YMCA people would be happy with and we could afford.” He is discussing the matter with the Galesi Group, which owns Center City, and said he will consider other sites as well — although he has no specifics in mind. He really likes Center City. Not only is it a cheaper option, but he also says the location is great. There’s ample parking in the back, a bus stop near the front door, and office workers surround the building, “There’s a lot of pluses to that site,” Brown said. “There’s plenty of square footage — there’s definitely room for a pool.” Center City owners have struggled to find a use for the ground floor, which once offered an ice skating rink and now plays host to a variety of soccer, lacrosse and indoor football players. A successful rock-climbing gym also operates at the far edge of the floor; Brown said that business could remain even if the YMCA took over the rest of the space. When the Galesi Group recently bought the building, officials of that company said they didn’t envision keeping the playing field and its long rows of bleachers, but admitted they weren’t sure what could replace it. There are no direct entrances to the ground floor, making it diffi cult to market for retail business. Chief Operating Officer David Buicko said the YMCA could be the perfect solution to the awkward space. “We would never be doing retail on the ground level,” he said. “The Y could be complementary. It’s the best location in town.” Brown still has to get approval from his project donors before signing any deals with Galesi. He said the donors he’s spoken with so far are happy with the new plan, but if anyone says no, he’ll have to decide between returning their money or fi nding an acceptable site elsewhere. One thing is for sure — he won’t get any money from the Metroplex Development Authority. The downtown economic development agency doesn’t offer funds to nonprofits, Chairman Ray Gillen said. “We don’t fund nonprofits. We’re trying to create a tax base,” Gillen said. But he added that he thinks Brown is making a wise decision. “This complex is so immense,” he said of Center City. “It makes all the sense in the world. You could do a lot of the Y right here. If you don’t have $10 million but you have $4 million — I think it’s kind of cool to do it here.” It’s been four years since YMCA officials announced plans to replace their cramped State Street branch with a new building at the Big N Plaza off Nott Street. But funds trickled in and they had raised just half of what they needed when Golub Corp. expressed an interest in using the plaza last year. Golub wanted to take the entire parcel for its new headquarters, and Brown willingly backed away from the site. As a replacement, he was offered a nearby parcel on Peek Street, which he did not dismiss publicly. Now he says that site isn’t acceptable, partly because the Y still hasn’t raised enough money to build there but also because of its location. “We just don’t feel it worked for us, in terms of visibility and other things,” Brown said. He stressed that there’s no hard feelings about Golub taking his preferred spot. “We’re excited that Golub is coming. We think it’s great,” he said. Mayor Brian U. Stratton, who proposed five years ago that the YMCA build at Big N Plaza, said he likes the idea of a Center City Y. “If it works out the way that Galesi wants it to, it could be a very compelling project,” he said. “It would be a very wonderful place to have a YMCA. It would be more centrally located in our downtown and probably more convenient for the young people who go there. So I think it’s a very fascinating proposal.”
YMCA changes plan for facility Short of cash for new building, group looks at complex in Schenectady
By LAUREN STANFORTH, Staff writer First published: Friday, May 2, 2008
SCHENECTADY -- The YMCA has abandoned its long-standing plans to construct a new building in the city and is instead focusing on a possible relocation to the Center City complex on State Street. The organization has been unable to raise the money it needs to build from scratch, said David Brown, CEO of the Capital District YMCA. A new building is projected to cost at least $10 million, and the YMCA has raised about $4 million.
The YMCA originally announced plans in 2004 to close its location at 13 State St. and build a new exercise and recreational facility at the former Big N plaza on Nott Street. But that plan had to be scrapped last fall after the Golub Corp. wanted the land for its new Price Chopper headquarters. Since then, the YMCA had been quiet about what it would do next. "I'm confident once we get a site and a concept, the fundraising will pick up," Brown said Thursday. Brown said the YMCA is still looking at multiple sites but is particularly interested in Center City's spacious first floor for a possible renovation. Developer Galesi Group recently took over the building at 415-419 State St. from the city, the city's Industrial Development Agency and developer Robert Lupe and is planning a renovation of the 170,000-square-foot property. The building, which was built in 1979 as an ice rink surrounded on upper floors by offices, is used by an indoor soccer league. The site is on a bus line and has ample parking in the back, Brown said. However, he said he didn't know what amenities could fit in the space yet, including a pool. The YMCA's services for homeless men would be located somewhere else under the agency's current proposal. David Buicko, chief operating officer for The Galesi Group, said they're discussing the possibility with the YMCA, but that those talks are in their infancy. "We're happy they're considering us," Buicko said. James Commarto, a contributor to the YMCA project and former property owner downtown, said he'll support the Center City project if it's the only option but said he still wants to see a new building constructed. Commarto hopes that publicity about the lack of funds might jump-start contributions. Frank Maurizio, a member of the Schenectady YMCA board of managers, said he has mixed feelings about the change. "I was looking forward to building in another area, only because I thought a new YMCA would stabilize another neighborhood," he said. "But it's difficult to argue against another major player being located downtown." Lauren Stanforth can be reached at 454-5697 or by e-mail at lstanforth@timesunion.com.
The 'Y' downtown? I think that will be a major mistake. I can't see the fit there. Gillen just got through saying the the area is in major need for retail when discussing the Big House.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
The area around the former Big N Plaza was an OK spot for the YMCA to put a new main branch in Schenectady. Center City, where the Y is now looking, is a great one. Although within city limits, the Big N location is really more like one of those “shovel-ready” suburban sites where the Capital Region YMCA has been building all those fancy new facilities lately, to the detriment of their downtown branches. Like the suburban Ys, it would be hard to get to for anyone without a car, which rules out most kids, poor people, and downtown office workers who might want to walk over and use the facility at lunchtime. For the same reason, it would have minimal impact on surrounding businesses — because a) people would be driving in and out; and b) there are few businesses around. But in the 3 /2 years since the Big N site was announced, a few things have happened — or didn’t happen — to change the Y’s mind. Perhaps most important, the organization has had more trouble raising the required money (a projected $8 million then, probably more like $10 million now) than they thought they would. To date they have raised only $4 million, and, given the current economic environment, it will be very tough to raise more. Another factor was that Price Chopper chose the Big N site for its new headquarters, pushing the Y to a less visible spot in the rear, at Peek Street. The Y’s leaders didn’t say anything at the time, but now they acknowledge they were not happy with that site. Other influences were the attractiveness and availability of a downtown location. In the last couple of years, the Y’s leaders have seen downtown’s renaissance really start to take off, with new construction, offices, restaurants, retail, movie theater, hotel, etc. Downtown now looks less like a place to avoid and more like a place people want to be. And right in the heart of downtown is Center City, the longtime white elephant that the Galesi Group recently bought and will renovate with the help of a Restore-NY grant. It has plenty of room and parking. The $4 million already raised by the Y would be enough to lease the space and create the kind of facility it wants there, complete with pool, gym, exercise equipment, daycare, etc. One of the few current activities at Center City is a privately run rock-climbing wall, which is successful, and Y officials say they want to see continue. The move would be good for the Y — membership should increase significantly with all those MVP and state workers downtown. And it would be good for downtown merchants, with more people coming, by car, bus and foot, and perhaps sticking around to buy something, eat something or see a show after a workout. The Y would also likely attract other businesses and organizations and help ensure that the rest of the sprawling Center City complex is used, including the upper floors and basement. It’s an argument for reconsidering the controversial and perhaps unaffordable plan to move Schenectady County Community College’s music program to Center City.
YMCA fund drive didn’t stall, it hasn’t even begun yet
I’m a strong believer in presenting facts correctly, It’s important for the interested citizenry to know the following: The YMCA has not had problems raising funds for a new facility. A capital fund drive hasn’t been started as it would be inappropriate to seek funds when neither a location nor plans for a building have been determined. Unfortunately, statements made repeatedly lead folks to believe that the Y has been unsuccessful in reaching their goal of $8 million — this is false. The lack of success isn’t in fund raising; it’s in trying to find a suitable location. Several generous donors have stepped up prior to a capital campaign and nearly $4 million has been contributed. A capital campaign will begin when a site and plans have been chosen. The second troubling statement appeared in a May 1 Gazette article: Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen stated that Metroplex doesn’t give money to not-forprofits. There is obvious evidence to counter that statement. One needs only to look at Proctors and be grateful that Metroplex played such an important role in supporting that rehab effort. Metroplex is funded by sales tax revenue generated by Schenectady County residents and those folks who shop here. The decision as to the location of a new Schenectady Y will be made by a group of extremely caring people who will have the best interests of the institution and its prospective members in mind. It must be located where it will best serve the people, not where it will serve the interest of a select few who will reap a profit. The YMCA steering committee is anxious to hear opinions from those who have an interest in locating and using the new facility. I love Schenectady and I love the Y. The people of Schenectady deserve a new Y, and together we will build one. MICHAEL H. DEVLIN Schenectady The writer serves on the Capital District YMCA board and is also a member of the steering committee planning the new facility.
Well, I guess it's safe to say the "Y" won't be on the Democrats "favorite person list" anytime soon. There are so many subtle slaps in that editorial, Gillen must be fuming. Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall in Gillen/Savages office this morning?
Ever since there was a mention of an audit of the plex, it's has become 'open season' on Gillen. It will be interesting to see if the Gillen supporters will continue to stay in lock step with him. It will also be interesting to see exactly who will throw him to the wolves just to save their own political career. Hmmm...Savage?
And the Y is sounding in at the right time. Just when the sh** will hit the fan with the plex and county legislatures. They may just have to cow down to the Y, again just to save their political careers.
And Gillen has lied so many times that somewhere along the way he actually FORGOT that he (the plex) has given MILLIONS to Proctors. Another NON PROFIT!! So as the plot thickens...........
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
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