It isn’t the grand $20 million statement that was once planned for Wisner Avenue in the City of Newburgh, but officials last week announced plans to open a 10,000-square-foot facility at 377 Broadway, literally in the heart of the city.

It will house the YMCA’s corporate offices, a wellness center with treadmills, steppers, bikes, free weights and PreCore machines to help citizens get into shape – shape they’ve only dreamed about.

Fitness classes will be offered in the building next to the Bank of America, allowing members to do their banking before or after they’ve stopped for a dance lesson, a teen program or an educational workshop. The Y’s thrift shop – Y Off Broadway — will relocate to the Ann Street side of the building. Full operation of the facility is planned by mid-April.

On hand Thursday to lend their support were state Sen. William Larkin, Mayor Nick Valentine, Dr. John D’Ambrosio of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce and a number of YMCA board members. Larkin received thanks for all his help in receiving funding for the facility, which is replacing the YMCA’s current operation on Little Britain Road.

President/CEO Trish Fisher said that, “these 10 months have been exciting as well as challenging,” adding that part of YMCA plans call for expanding services to Dutchess County.
With the dissolution of the Dutchess County YMCA in June, the YMCA of USA granted the service area to the Greater Newburgh YMCA, determining that Newburgh was well positioned to deliver vital YMCA programs and services to the county’s children and families.

Vice-chairman Ralph Mills agreed, saying that, “the Greater Newburgh YMCA has been serving the community for more than 150 years and since 1997 we have been operating as a ‘Y Without Walls.’”

“This project puts us back in the City of Newburgh to meet the needs of all individuals – building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.”

For nearly two years, the Greater Newburgh YMCA worked on an ambitious plan that called for construction of a facility on 20 acres in three phases over what was to be a three-year period. Attempts to gain City Council help in purchasing six acres of land from the old Newburgh Dyeing Corp. failed to develop and the YMCA abandoned its plans while vowing to come back at a later date with another proposal.

For information about the new YMCA, the new facility or membership, call the main office at (845) 562-1088 or visit www.newburghymca.org.

By ALLAN GAUL
agaul@tcnewspapers.com