Residents Question Potential YMCA In Lacey

LACEY, NJ — Will a new YMCA in Lacey be a benefit to local families, or just another thing to raise taxes? That's what Lacey residents are asking local officials.

The township has been discussing a potential partnership with the YMCA of the Jersey Shore to provide year-round recreation, especially swim programs.

READ MORE: Lacey Explores YMCA Partnership, Recreation And Wellness Needs

However, several residents voiced fears regarding the financial impact.

"There's a lot of people that are very concerned about this because a lot of people are on fixed incomes," resident Steve Bahrle told the Township Committee. "A lot of people are just barely getting through the week."

Officials emphasized that discussions were still ongoing and there were not many details yet available, but explained what the township will and will not be responsible for financially.

"We are leasing the building to the Y and they're responsible for everything else. That's essentially how it works," Mayor Steven Kennis said. The township will own the building, but the Y will be in charge of paying employees. Also, Kennis noted that they are still early in discussions, and things like the lease payment have not been decided upon yet.

The tax impact for the average home assessed at $290,668 for an estimated $3.2 million payment will be an extra $227.85 annually. You can see the full chart here.

Resident Richard Bidnick, representing Lacey Citizens for Responsible Government, questioned the transparency and asked how the committee members were working on making Lacey more affordable.

"I certainly never voted for anyone on this body to just do whatever you want. You are accountable to we the people and not the other way around," Bidnick said.

"Is the YMCA worth disregarding the needs of the taxpaying citizen? That's the bottom line," resident Melody Pryor asked.

Other residents voiced fears that it may be used to house the homeless, but township officials said that was never on the table.

Township officials looked on the positive side.

Committeeman Tim McDonald noted that it's the time of year that graffiti pops up at local parks.

"If we have the Y, maybe they got a place to go," McDonald said. "Maybe they can go in there and play basketball or get in the pool and swim some laps or whatever clubs they're running at the YMCA."

"I think this is a net positive for the township as a whole," said Kennis.

More information about the potentialT YMCA is expected in the coming months.