WAYNE — The township has agreed to buy the YMCA property on Pike Drive for $12.2 million, clearing the way for health and recreation officials to grow their programs and protect the land from future redevelopment.
The historic acquisition , the largest that the township has made since voters approved the creation of an open space fund in November 2003, will also allow senior citizens to meet in a central place — something many have clamored for.
Mayor Christopher Vergano said the township will spend money in the open space fund to float a bond that will cover most of the cost of the 14.2-acre property. Therefore, he said, no additional taxes will go toward the purchase.
“This is not just for today,” he said Monday. “This is for future generations of township residents.”
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On Wednesday, the Township Council will consider a resolution to authorize the administration to execute a contract for the property transaction.
The council is also expected to introduce an ordinance for the new debt obligation.
The property off Ratzer Road is part of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, a Livingston-based nonprofit with seven branches in Bergen, Essex, Passaic and Sussex counties.
It is the largest organization of YMCAs in New Jersey, raising $48.8 million in revenue last year.
Richard Gorab, its chief executive officer and president, said the organization was “grateful for the memories” that donors, members and staff made in the township.
“While we are saddened to be leaving,” he said in a statement released Friday, “we are proud to have served the community.”
The YMCA facility, dedicated in September 1976, has 145,904 square feet of amenities and offices.
It includes a basketball court, a fitness center and a six-lane indoor pool. There is also a 406-seat amphitheater, known as the Rosen Performing Arts Center, with private dressing rooms, and professional lighting and sound equipment.
The Metropolitan YMCA said it invested $3.7 million to enhance the facility since partnering with the Young Men’s and Young Women’s Hebrew Association of North Jersey in September 2011.
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Vergano said the township will operate the facility as a recreation utility — similar to how it runs the municipal pool and Tom’s Lake. Expenses will be offset by the dues-paying public.
Health and recreation officials will provide the same activities and services that are offered there now, and Vergano said the township intends to retain as much of the YMCA staff as possible.
Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: devencentis@northjersey.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Wayne YMCA to sell Pike Drive facility to township in historic deal. Here's the price
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