It appears that the city council is poised to exercise their “right of first refusal” and buy the YMCA building on William for $3.5. (Here’s a letter to the editor I co-wrote to the AANews on the issue) However, I don’t understand the secrecy involved – the city debated the issue in a closed session. Although things certainly may change, I’d like to see the city acting to involve more people to determine the future of this unique downtown property.

“Hieftje also said he’d like to see the city and Downtown Development Authority work together to determine what goes on the property. Hieftje said the city intends to keep the 100 units of affordable housing downtown.

He said the site could also hold a new AATA bus terminal but the city wanted to review all its options. The mayor said he didn’t see any options for paying for the Y building that included the use of the city’s general fund reserve. Instead, Hieftje said the city could find federal dollars or a DDA partnership.”

> From AANews: “City plans to buy the Y building”

Author: Rob