The YMCA of Honolulu believes it’s a win-win situation.
The non-profit announced plans Friday to sell part of its land to a developer. The deal includes big changes for the 61-year-old facility.
As part of the deal, the developer will build a condo and pay to build a new facility. But a traditional part of the YMCA is not included in the deal.
Elizebeth Kukahiwa has been living at the Central YMCA for over two months.
"I love it," she said.
She lives in one of the 113 units in the building. But she and other residents will need to look for a new home.
"That really sucks," Kukahiwa said.
Developer MB Property Acquisitions is buying one and a half acres of land and plans to build a 120-unit residential condo, which will sit next to the new Central Y facility. But as with nearly all the new YMCAs on the Mainland, the Central Y will not include residential units. YMCA officials hope to relocate residents to other facilities.
"We recognize change is hard sometimes but we think it’s an important change and one that’s going to really benefit the community," said Michael Broderick of the YMCA of Honolulu.
The developer will pay for a new 30,000-square-foot facility, which will include a health and fitness center, swimming pool, a preschool and teen programs. YMCA officials say this decision was based on the high costs associated with operations and maintenance.
"So there’s a lot of renovations that would total many millions of dollar so we felt it was the best of both worlds," Broderick said.
Some members have a wait and see attitude.
"I’m also a little nervous, traffic, it’s already kind of a high-volume area of cars, and people. So I’m a little worried about that," said Chasity Hovey, member.
But most say, they will definitely return.
"The gym, the pool, everything that is here, and plus too I feel it’s cozy," Kukahiwa said.
Residents of the Central Y will have a year and a half to find a new place to live.
As for the new facility, the developer expects it to be complete in early 2016.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
