YMCA branch to close
Officials cite $11M in repairs needed to building over next 10 years
POTTSTOWN » The Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA has announced it will close its Pottstown branch effective June 29, 2018.
The facility’s 142 employees were informed about the decision Nov. 20, while the 5,500 members received an email Nov. 21, with letters also being mailed.
“We are committed to serving the Pottstown community going forward. This decision was really about having a building that was not sustainable,” said Shaun Elliott, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA.
Elliott explained that there are “significant building issues” that will require an investment of $11 million in repairs over the next 10 years. He added that $3 million of that amount is needed for what are being called “critical” repairs, which must be done quickly.
“We have made the decision to close the branch. The amount of deferred maintenance over decades has caught up to us,” Elliott said in an interview Tuesday afternoon, adding that the repairs, coupled with the facility’s annual operating deficit of $700,000, led to the decision.
“It doesn’t make sense to reinvest in the building at this point,” Elliott added. The 80,000-squarefoot building at 724 N. Adams St. in Pottstown was built in 1968.
One of the most critical issues
is with the boilers, according to Elliott — at a cost of $500,000.
“They can no longer be repaired — the repair companies say that can no longer be done and they need to be replaced,” Elliott said. “That triggers the question, what can we afford to maintain? We have to figure out a way to serve the community in a more sustainable manner.”
Elliott said the total investment includes deferred and ongoing maintenance, but most of the cost is maintenance that has been deferred.
“It was disappointing to understand the extent of the problems — many of the things aren’t visible, they’re in basements, in roofs, behind walls,” he said.
While the physical branch is closing next June, Elliott stressed in both the employee and member communications, that the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA is committed to finding a long-term solution to closing the building.
“The Pottstown Y has a long tradition of community service and maintaining our presence there is extremely important,” the member communication reads.
Elliott said the YMCA in Pottstown will continue to offer licensed full-day preschool at a new childcare center in Pottstown and will offer school care and summer camp within the Pottstown School District. Elliott said Nov. 21 that the organization already has a location they consider to be a “strong contender,” but could not share specifics.
In addition, the organization is looking for a facility to rent, where the YMCA can offer fitness and wellness programs.
He added that decisions will be made as “expeditiously as possible.”
“…we remain committed in our service to Pottstown. We believe there are more sustainable and engaging ways to be present in Pottstown and currently offer many programs outside of our Y walls. We will look to grow these programs and offerings in the coming months,” according to the email to members.”
Asked whether there will be layoffs, Elliott said no staff layoffs are planned.
“All childcare staff will move to our new location. We also have four branches within eight and 13 miles away where they (staff) can be placed. We’re asking them about their first, second and third choices,” he explained.
The Pottstown YMCA also has a swim team — the Pottstown Seahawks. Elliott said the parent organization is willing to work with the team to help it find another practice location.
Elliott said a task force is in the process of being formed to discuss alternate ways of providing services to the Pottstown community. The group will include representatives from Pottstown, including a representative from the Pottstown Health and Wellness Foundation, as well as representatives from the YMCA and its board of directors.
“The task force is still being formed — we don’t have all the members lined up yet,” Elliott said.
This is the second announcement this year the parent organization has made about the Pottstown branch. In August, the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA said it was closing the facility’s South pool and whirlpool.
Pottstown YMCA members have the option of transferring their membership to the Upper Perkiomen, Boyertown, Phoenixville or Spring Valley YMCA. Those who choose to transfer will receive a free six month membership effective July 1 through Dec. 31, 2018. Starting Dec. 1, 2017, member service staff can assist with that transfer.
The Pottstown YMCA merged with the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA Jan. 1, 2013 and serves Pottstown, Trappe, Sanatoga, Douglassville, Elverson and surrounding communities, according to information on its website.
“It was disappointing to understand the extent of the problems — many of the things aren’t visible, they’re in basements, in roofs, behind walls.” — Shaun Elliott, president and CEO, Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA