In 1998, the YMCA asked Reynoldsburg officials to join Gahanna, Grove City, Hilliard and Liberty Township in a fundraising campaign to put YMCA facilities in their respective cities.
Reynoldsburg officials opted not to take part in the campaign. They hoped instead to run their own recreation center at some point, but those plans were later shelved.
In late 2006, YMCA representatives came before Reynoldsburg City Council again to discuss putting up a 55,000 square-foot facility in the city. Talks began, but little action was taken until last month.
"The idea has just been kind of sitting there for a few years, and there wasn’t a lot happening until June," said City Auditor Richard Harris.
At the July 7 Reynoldsburg City Council committee meeting, members discussed what would have to happen to make a YMCA a reality.
"For starters, we haven’t yet decided if it’s really going to happen," said Community Development Chairperson Antoinette Newman. "The facility would be around 12 acres, and finding that much land available that isn’t in a floodplain is a problem."
Harris said he has talked with representatives of the Reynoldsburg City Schools Board of Education about the possibility of putting the facility on land where the proposed new high school would be located on Summit Road.
The estimated cost to construct the YMCA is $12.5 million. To raise funds for the project, a bond issue likely would have to go on the ballot.
"Anytime there is a plan underway with regard to an income tax or real estate tax increase, it would have to go before the voters," Newman said.
While the figures for either a bond issue or an income tax levy are still being figured out, Harris estimates there could be a 1.5 percent income tax levy, which would generate $18 million over the course of 20 years, or a 1.5 mill real estate levy that would produce around $650,000 a year.
"I do believe the YMCA would make available to the city its resources in efforts to raise the required funding for public relations," Newman said.
If an issue is put on the ballot and passes, Newman said the facility would be ready for use 12 to 18 months after the groundbreaking, which YMCA representatives hope will
take place sometime between November 2009 and the spring of 2010.
Farmers’ Market
Residents who have a craving for locally grown fruits and vegetables are urged to visit the first annual Reynoldsburg farmers’ market, which opened July 10.
"We are asking for the support of everyone in the community," said Nadine Morse, city administrative assistant and market manager. "It has to be a team effort. Whether it is raining or not, we need to have you all attend."
The market will be open from 3:30-6:30 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 25 at Huber Park on Davidson Drive, next to the Reynoldsburg Senior Center between Main Street and Livingston Avenue.
The goods are restricted to fruits and vegetables. Flea market and craft items will not be part of the farmers’ market.
Road improvement discussion
At 6 p.m. July 16, council will hold a special meeting to discuss proposed improvements to Rosehill Road, including traffic maintenance. Doug Joseph, chairman of the safety committee, encourages all residents to attend the meeting, which will be held in council chambers at the Municipal Building, 7232 E. Main St.
