WAYNE — YMCA members expressed concerns Wednesday over a plan by officials to buy the nearly 50-year-old facility on Pike Drive, with many telling the Township Council that they were worried about losing access to their favorite classes and instructors they adore.
Some brought up an issue of affordability, saying they fear that officials will hike their membership dues.
But the overall feeling in the council chamber was cautious optimism as the public seemed to realize the significance of the moment.
That the township will get a bona fide community center of its own is perhaps the most notable thing to happen here in decades, one speaker declared.
“I know that this is a bold adventure for all of us to take,” said Mayor Christopher Vergano. “But if we don’t take it now, we’re never going to get the opportunity again.”
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In unanimous votes, the council authorized the administration to sign a contract for the $12.2 million purchase and introduced an ordinance to allow officials to borrow that money against the open space fund.
The township collects slightly more than $1 million per year in open space taxes, so Vergano said, it should take 12 years to pay off the debt.
The council will hold a hearing on the bond ordinance at its meeting on Aug. 21.
Meanwhile, Vergano said, the administration will continue to plan on assuming control of the 14.2-acre property off Ratzer Road. He said the township will not close on the transaction until the fall.
Vergano opened the discussion by trying to calm a tense audience. He stressed that his goal was to maintain the programs offered by the YMCA, and to the extent possible, he said, the township will keep its staff intact.
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For Cindy Wolkowitz, that must have been a relief.
“The teachers in my group fitness classes are what transform the Y into greatness,” said Wolkowitz, a township resident. “They’re not just good, and they’re not just excellent — they are a gift.”
Wolkowitz was among more than a dozen YMCA members who addressed the council, each raising a unique idea or question.
One woman asked officials to consider opening an art gallery in the 145,904-square-foot facility while another, speaking on behalf of her 11-year-old daughter, reminded the council about its robust theater program. She wanted to ensure that youth classes in performing arts will remain unscathed.
Emilia Henel said she has been a devoted member of the YMCA for 18 years.
“Don’t just take it for granted that you know what we need,” Henel, a township resident, said to the council. “We know what we need, and we should be asked.”
Salvatore Schifano said he was concerned about his adult son with severe disabilities. Michael, he said, participates in a small fitness class at the facility.
“Michael’s best time is when he goes to the Y,” said Schifano, a township resident. “He’s nonverbal, but on Monday and Wednesday, when he comes home from his program, he says ‘exercise.’ He looks forward to that every day.”
The Wayne YMCA is part of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, a Livingston-based nonprofit with seven branches in Bergen, Essex, Passaic and Sussex counties.
In a statement released last week, the organization said the local branch has provided millions of dollars in financial assistance through annual fundraisers to subsidize the costs of day care, summer camp, swimming lessons and other programs for some 4,000 members and their families.
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
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