Observer-Review 11/2/2022 - Yates County legislators approved a $2 million request for a fieldhouse at the Yates County Community Center in Penn Yan during the annual budget workshop held last week. Before making the decision, legislators addressed Steve Griffin, county economic developer, and Brian Cunningham, owner of Penn Yan Plumbing and Heating, asking clarifying questions. During the exchange, meeting participants touched on a variety of subjects, including initial and ongoing costs, use fees, county-wide access, and common questions circulating in the community.

The full cost of the project is approximately $4 million, however agreements with local building suppliers and contractors likely means the project would be double that if full rates were charged for materials and labor. The county allocation allows project organizers to start construction and borrow the other $2 million to get the project built. Fundraising is already underway, with the expectation it will now accelerate with the county commitment.

"One of the common questions is 'why now?'" said Griffin. "We are in a different time now than we were even five years ago. We're in a national battle for employees. It's no longer a question of can we do it or should we do it? If we don't do it, we're going to be at a significant disadvantage."

The proposed project will establish a large, indoor, year-round facility that will be open to all school districts in the county and will be available for outside partners to host events, including academic and athletic camps among other initiatives.

"The project will enhance what we already have," said Griffin, adding that discussions with Finger Lakes Community Health for establishing a full-service health center onsite are in the works. "We can't put a community center in every community. This one is here. It's operating. It's been sustainable as a fitness center. We're going to enhance it, increase its reach, and the things that they can do."

Regarding the proposed costs for residents, project organizers pointed out that employees often have health insurance that will cover the cost of gym memberships and that the proposed plan calls for regularly scheduled "open" times, during which county residents will have free access.

The facility is planned to be 35,000 square feet. Built for $4 million, that means that construction is projected to cost slightly more than $100 per square foot, with the county's share coming in at under $55 per square foot. With their positive vote to support this project, legislators agreed to use resources from the unassigned general fund balance.

The 2023 proposed budget was approved following the workshop, with an upcoming public hearing on Thursday, Nov. 17. at 6 p.m. in the legislative chambers.