Pottstown YMCA Purchased By Gulati Family, Will Not Shut Down

POTTSTOWN, PA — It's official: the Pottstown YMCA is saved. Private investor Charles Gulati reached an agreement to purchase the building and to implement a series of repairs and refurbishments.

The property, which had been scheduled to close at the end of next month, was the subject of an ardent grassroots campaign organized by members of the community who did not want to lose the valuable services of the 724 N. Adams Street location.

"The YMCA is such an important part of Pottstown and we knew we needed to do our part to keep them
here,” Chuck Gulati said in a statement announcing the purchase. "We are grateful that they will remain a staple within the building."

Gulati said that he envisioned the building would also house other businesses focused on wellness and athletics, in addition to the YMCA.

Discussions have been underway since January to find a way to keep the YMCA open. Officials said that Gulati and his family, the YMCA, and numerous politicians, including State Sen. Bob Mensch (R-24), State Rep. Tom Quigley (R-146), and State Rep. Tim Hennessey (R-26) have been working together to try to provide state support to keep the Y open. Ultimately, the state's Department of Community and Economic Development provided Gulati's family with state financing tools.

“I am gratified that a solution has been found to keep the Pottstown YMCA open and serving the
community. The YMCA has been an integral part of Pottstown for decades," said Valerie Arkoosh, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.

The new building will include space for youth sports, swim lessons, wellness, group exercise, child watch, and more. Child care will be run from the Early Learning Center, just two miles away.

The agreement, while announced, is not yet final. Further details will be provided in the coming days.

Patch file photo