Plattsburgh YMCA begins renovations at new site

Groundbreaking for renovations of the new Plattsburgh YMCA facility on New York Road in the Town of Plattsburgh. — PLATTSBURGH | Plattsburgh YMCA directors and staff broke ground on renovations to the former CVPH Wellness Center at 295 New York Road on Nov.12. Dirt turned by shovels was brought in from November weather for a special ceremony. The goal is to open the new YMCA facility about this time next year, according to Interim CEO Jeff Collen.

With $12 million raised for renovations, sponsors and donors visited with staff, exploring a facility left largely vacant for the past six years.

“We're grateful to every donor, partner and elected official who helped us get here,” Collen said. “We look forward to getting this project started and inviting the community to enjoy the finished and revitalized space this time next year.”

Collen said another welcome event for YMCA members will be held on January 9.

Work is to begin shortly, including rehabilitation of the swimming pool for the new aquatic center.

Looking to grow from their city-owned facility on Oak Street, Plattsburgh YMCA's board of directors acquired the New York Road property from CVPH in August 2022. The hospital had closed it September 2020 during the pandemic.

Corporate, philanthropic and individual gifts pledged over the past four years have been supported by $1.9 million in federal monies given through Senator Charles Schumer in 2022 along with $1.3 million that year from Assemblymember Jones for YMCA childcare services. Last year, Jones and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie provided $4.5 million for pool repairs and updates.

The lively groundbreaking welcomed some 75 visitors to ask questions and learn how the facility will be renovated and put to use. Aquatics Director Richard Almond-Goerlitz said the new, much larger pool will provide opportunity expand classes with updated locker rooms and sauna facilities.

Shane Nelson, Plattsburgh YMCA vice president of Rural Operations and Advancement, said renovations in the gymnasium will include a curtain to divide the space. For example, he said, “we could have two floor hockey games going on at one time, or two adult volleyball leagues.”

The gym wall will be moved inward to widen the entryway.

On Thursday, Adirondack Coast Sports had youth soccer competition in play on turf they installed for the indoor season.

Zach Surls, a personal trainer at the Y, said the facility will have more room for member fitness training and workout space.

The YMCA will continue to use the city-owned former U.S. Air Force gym at the U.S. Oval. “We're still going to have a gym and classes there and basketball,” he said.

The $12 million in renovations hearkens back to original plans. Some elements of the project presented in June of 2025 have been removed.

Molly Ryan, executive director of the Clinton County Industrial Development Agency, is serving as YMCA board chairman.

“What was originally proposed was a phased project,” she explained of project adaptation. “It's actually going back to its original concept. We believe that this is the most responsible thing to do while still meeting the needs of the community.”

Pool rehabilitation design remains the same, she said. But the second-story expansion illustrated on plans in 2025 is not going to be built.

“That is a very expensive endeavor and not one that actually does a whole lot for programming here,” Ryan said.

Original concepts that remain include the Discovery Room for gym-time childcare for members, community rooms, studio space, cardio space and the gymnasium.

Expansion could be considered once this phase of construction is complete, Ryan said.

“We have created an agreement with ARC (Advocacy and Resource Center, Clinton County). We now own the entire back lot, so it gives us the opportunity to expand this building and the parking lot.”

Jones and current Assemblymember Michael Cashman thanked YMCA donors, staff and supporters, offering congratulations.

“Good things come to those that wait,” Jones said. “We have a good, responsible community project here.

“This is what a community project looks like. It's been a little bit of deliberation on it, but certainly we need to thank all of our community partners and everyone that has done so much to see this project get to where it is today.”

On behalf of Speaker Heastie and the state, Cashman congratulated the YMCA board and thanked the former assemblymember for support through the years.

“This is an institution that our community believes in,” Cashman said. “We know the value of this. It's time.”

Ryan said the project has been a long time in development.

“We're going to have a ceremonial groundbreaking,” she said, inviting past and present board presidents to join her with shovels and dig, along with Jones, Cashman and North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas.

“To all of you that have been either from the beginning or are just joining us now, I stand here with the board and promise you this is going to get done,” Ryan said. “This is the new YMCA. This is a very, very exciting day.”

Project management is being led by Neagley + Chase Construction Co., based in Burlington. The multi-year planning and design process has been led by GRO-DEV and AES Northeast, of Plattsburgh.

Plattsburgh YMCA begins renovations at new site

Comments