By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Alabaster leaders are planning to look at the costs associated with possibly demolishing the former YMCA building next to the Alabaster Senior Center, and are looking at future uses for the property.

During a Nov. 12 City Council work session, Alabaster Mayor Marty Handlon said the building, which is more than 40 years old, is an “eyesore” near the Senior Center and the new Alabaster City Hall buildings.

“I think it takes away from what we’ve got here now,” Handlon said. “It’s really an eyesore to what we have now.”

The former YMCA building, which is city-owned, has been vacant since the Alabaster YMCA finalized its move to a new building off Plaza Circle several months ago.

Handlon said she approached other organizations about possibly using the building, but said the building’s condition has been a deterrent.

“I really wanted a youth rec center there. I really looked at all the options, but it just seemed like I kept hitting roadblock after roadblock,” Handlon said.

Handlon asked City Manager George Henry to explore the costs associated with demolishing the building and possibly filling in the pool.

Henry and Handlon said the city possibly could find another use for the property in the future.