New Haverford YMCA Will Create 150 Area Jobs

Progress on the Haverford YMCA is moving along as expected, it was reported at the October 17 meeting of Havertown's 1st Ward.

Construction on the YMCA has begun at the former location old Swell Bubble Gum factory at Eagle and Hillcrest roads. Work at the site is scheduled to go on for about a year before the Y is ready to open.

The township and the owners of the property (not the YMCA, whom is leasing the building from the township) are currently in litigation regarding the price of condemning the building and how much they feel it was worth. The case is currently in the court of common pleas.

The Swell Bubble Gum building was demolished after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated it as a Superfund or abandoned hazardous waste site.

The YMCA in Ardmore will be merging with the Haverford area Y when construction is completed. Community members expressed concern with the merge regarding more people coming into the area from out of town and traffic issues regarding the already congested Eagle road.

In an effort to prevent further traffic issues, there is going to be a new traffic light installed at Eagle road and Hillcrest. The new light should be up and running after the US Open comes to town.

“We think it’ll really help,” said Officer Hagan, “The light will be tied with the YMCA exit and to Hillcrest and it will help the traffic flow.”

The YMCA will also bring around 150 new jobs to the community and residents will receive a discounted membership.