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It’s been slow, but steady work at the New Rochelle YMCA during the last six months, but with a base coat of paint laid down along the pool’s liner, all that is required is a second coat before officials will be able to fill it with water for the first time since it was closed for emergency repairs last summer.
In June, during a routine inspection, contractors discovered that there was severe damage to the overhead drop ceiling above the pool, complete with eroded support beams, forcing officials to shut down the aquatic center - one of the main sources of revenue for the YMCA.
Since work began, the roof has been completely replaced, complete with new HVAC units. The interior of the center has been overhauled, complete with new paint along the walls and in the hallway and new pool lights. In addition to the interior and roof work, contractors also did some exterior work, replacing five windows.
Due to its status as an independent YMCA, it does not receive financial support from the larger, national organization, meaning every dollar needed to be raised locally. YMCA officials quickly went to work, kicking off the $1.3 million “Be a Lifesaver Campaign” that saw Assembly members Amy Paulin and Steve Otis raising $1 million in grants to secure the bank loan to begin work.
“This fundraiser was the most critical in the Y’s 30-year-history,” New Rochelle YMCA Julie Gallanty said about ‘Be a Lifesaver.’ “Unfortunately, the reality is, if we didn’t raise these funds, our pool would have to close for good, and since it is a major source of funding for us, we would have to close our doors to the community entirely.”
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