New YMCA-Backed Community Center Planned For South Norwalk: Mayor

NORWALK, CT — A new state-of-the-art community center has been proposed for South Main Street in South Norwalk in a partnership between the city and Wilton-based Riverbrook Regional YMCA, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling announced Thursday.

Under the terms of the arrangement, the YMCA plans to enter into a long-term lease of the building at 98 South Main St. and perform "a significant renovation to the space."

The YMCA is initially providing $1.2 million toward the renovation, with the city matching that initial commitment dollar for dollar. The city funds would come from the $3.5 million the developers of The SoNo Collection provided the city to use specifically for the benefit of South Norwalk. The new mall is several blocks up the street from the proposed community center.

Norwalk has been without a YMCA since 2012, when the former facility on West Avenue closed.

"Our community took a huge loss when the Norwalk YMCA closed its doors," Rilling said at a press conference Thursday. He was joined by members of the Norwalk Common Council, the YMCA, and community partners at the announcement.

"We have lacked a true place where residents could meet, receive programming, and participate in recreation. I have been determined to see that changed and am honored to make this announcement today," the mayor added. "I am thrilled about the possibility of Norwalk having a bonafide community center once again. I know the addition of the YMCA would help create a lasting impact on the lives of countless people in our city."

The new community center will be built at the site of the former Norwalk Economic Opportunity Now (NEON) building, for which the city is the sole owner. The city acquired the building when NEON closed several years ago and the South Norwalk Community Center at the facility was reorganized.

City officials issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in October 2018 in search of a partner to bring a community center back to South Norwalk, which Riverbrook Regional YMCA responded to, and the organization has spent more than a year researching the needs and desires of the community.

Robert McDowell, CEO of Riverbrook Regional YMCA, said the group is excited about this proposal.

"The Y has a long-standing track record and on-the-ground presence necessary to address the nation's most pressing social issues related to youth, health, and community life," McDowell said. "We believe our experience, together with our mission and purpose, uniquely positions us to serve the City of Norwalk, its residents, and specifically, the South Norwalk community."

From the mayor's announcement:

An ad-hoc committee of the Common Council reviewed the RFP and has been working with the YMCA and other community leaders on this proposal. The committee included Council President and Land Use and Building Management Committee Chair Tom Livingston, fellow committee members Greg Burnett and Barbara Smyth, and District B Council members Ernie Dumas and Darlene Young.

The YMCA has stated that it can begin providing programs right away while renovations can occur concurrently. It is anticipated the cost of fully renovating the building is $4 to $5 million. The YMCA has committed to raising the remaining funds necessary to complete the proposed renovations. City and local leaders are also working with the state to secure additional resources. This proposal is still subject to authorization from the Board of Estimate and Taxation and approval by the Common Council. Both votes are scheduled to take place in the coming months.