City Officials Seek Public Feedback On Future Of Former Benjamin Barnes Branch YMCA

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The City of Tuscaloosa will hold two public hearings this month to gather citizen input regarding the future of the former Benjamin Barnes Branch YMCA property in Tuscaloosa's West End and an adjacent parcel on 18th Street.

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City officials plan to submit the amended action plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of its 2020–2024 Community Planning and Development Programs.

"These hearings are for the public to come out and allow their voices to be heard," District 1 Councilor Joe Eatmon told Patch. "The YMCA has been an integral part of our community for as long as I can remember. It’s important to me that we keep it in the community and restore it to serve the community in a way that makes us all better like always has."

As Patch previously reported, the city moved the Benjamin Barnes YMCA to the campus of the McDonald Hughes Center in October 2023 and have been mulling the future of the historic property ever since.

The public hearings are scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at 5 p.m., both in the City Council Chambers at Tuscaloosa City Hall.

Residents who wish to offer feedback but cannot attend the hearings have several options:

• Submit comments in person at either hearing.
• Mail written comments to the City’s Office of Community and Neighborhood Services, P.O. Box 2089, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403.
• Call the Office of Community and Neighborhood Services at 205-248-5080 and leave a comment with staff.
• Email comments to cnservices@tuscaloosa.com.

All written, phone and emailed comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30.

Those with disabilities who need special accommodations or auxiliary aids to participate in the hearings are encouraged to contact the Office of Community and Neighborhood Services at least 48 hours in advance.

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