While the Tyrone Area YMCA board of directors searches for a new home, one area contractor has made an offer the board apparently can refuse.
The Daily Herald has learned that local contractor Jeff Long has offered to renovate the former YMCA building, located at 1062 Logan Avenue, Tyrone, but his proposal was respectfully declined by board members. They say post-flood damage and space constraints in the circa-1914 building have deflated their interest in using the structure and that they’re looking for a much larger new home.
“What people need to understand is that we were very grateful to Jeff (Long) for this offer,” said YMCA board president Linda Hershey. “The thing is, we were simply growing out of that building and we really need a second gym to accommodate all of our programs.”
Long said if the board would “give” him the building, he would renovate it and then turn around and lease the property back to the YMCA. The YMCA’s grand theater was recently condemned and flood waters caused extensive damage to the interior of the building, including its gymnasium floor, rendering the building virtually useless.
“At this point, it would really be hard for us to afford two lease payments — one for the old building and a second for the second gym, wherever that would develop,” Hershey said. “Again, we are extremely grateful to Jeff for this offer — it was great of him to do that — but it just wouldn’t suit our needs.”
In October, following severe flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ivan, the YMCA board deemed the building unusable. The board faced the responsibility of repairing flood damage, as well as rectifying roughly 30 state structure violations — something that would have run the board well over $1 million.
The Y is currently headquartered in the former Penelec building, situated along Route 220 near the Kunzler plant.
“This wasn’t an easy decision,” Hershey said. “We have so many programs — before and after school activities, gymnastics, dance programs, swimming, which the high school is helping out with — and we now need to take steps to accommodate those programs.
“We’re still here. We’re taking things day-by-day and doing what’s needed to survive.”
Long is responsible for many area renovations, including the 2000 upgrade of the former Adams School, Tyrone, now an assisted living facility called Graystone Court. He also spearheaded the 2001 Jones Building fix-up, converting the historic structure into the new home for the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library.
