Alabaster considers new YMCA : Mayor Frings pushes for action by the end of February
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Alabaster Mayor David Frings wants to see action on a possible new YMCA by the end of February.
Frings told the city council last Monday that YMCA officials are very eager to build a larger facility, but would need approval soon.
&8220;The YMCA is at a point they need a commitment,&8221; said Frings. &8220;We need something to get started on this project.&8221;
The mayor recommended the council consider a resolution that will give the YMCA seven to 10 acres of city property at the Siluria Mill.
In return, the city would be able to use some of the facilities too.
Frings said he is optimistic the city and YMCA representatives can reach an agreement that works for both parties.
&8220;We can have a plan that has mutual benefits for the city and the YMCA,&8221; said Frings. &8220;We can work together to prevent duplication of services. The citizens&8217; benefits will be exponentially increased.&8221;
YMCA Branch Director Gwen Hatcher said a new facility would better reflect the needs of the growing community.
&8220;We hope we will have something that is what you think of a typical YMCA looking like,&8221; said Hatcher. &8220;Alabaster is the largest city in Shelby County, and we need a place for citizens to go and do things as a family.&8221;
Currently, Alabaster YMCA is in a city-owned building and only operates on a part-time basis.
The branch operates an after-school program and summer day camps