Schenectady County is in the process of purchasing the Duanesburg YMCA from the Capital District YMCA, which was approved by the legislature in 2022. Once purchased, the County will sell the property to Chris and Lauren Davis, who currently operate a fitness facility in Schoharie County.
Earlier this year the legislature approved the County entering into an agreement that creates a public-private partnership with the Davises that includes the property sale and a community benefits provision that guarantees specific public benefits at the facility for a period of 10 years.
“We’re thrilled to share that the Duanesburg Y project is moving forward,” said Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “Since its closure, we’ve been diligently working to revive this invaluable asset that once served over 2,000 members. Our sincere appreciation goes to the Davis family for their commitment to reopening the facility and creating a space that the entire community can enjoy once again, and to our Director of Development and Planning, Ray Gillen, for his unwavering efforts in bringing this project to fruition.”
“The Duanesburg Y was a vital community space before it was permanently closed during the pandemic,” said Schenectady County Legislator Holly Vellano. “Our partnership with the Davis family is allowing us to not only restore the beloved facility but also provide access to Duanesburg schools, create a space for our senior meal program, and provide other public benefits. We look forward to the doors of this facility being open once again.”
“It's tough to know what to say at this point, it doesn’t seem real that we are taking ownership of such a beautiful facility,” said Chris and Lauren Davis of 4everbods Fitness. “We are so incredibly thankful to the Schenectady County Legislature. Tony Jasenski and Holly Vellano have shown a steadfast commitment to seeing this project move forward. With their support and the tireless work of Ray Gillen at Schenectady County Metroplex we are excited to close at the end of November and are aiming for a January 1st opening. We look forward to seeing everyone back after many years away.”
Community Benefits Provision
The proposed agreement between Schenectady County and the Davis’ includes a Community Benefits Provision that guarantees the following benefits for a period of 10 years:
- Lease or license to the Duanesburg Central School District, reasonable access to the gymnasium and swimming pool at a value of up to $20,000 per year;
- Provide thirty free gym memberships or the equivalent in programming benefits each year to Duanesburg youth with lower incomes as recommended by the Duanesburg Central School District;
- Allow free access to the swimming pool to Schenectady County and the Schenectady County Boys and Girls Club for the purpose of conducting lifeguard training up to four times per year;
- Make the kitchen and dining areas available at no cost to Schenectady County for the purpose of hosting a senior meal site; and
- Use of the facility as a back-up site for Schalmont High School for emergency purposed in conjunction with Schenectady County and the American Red Cross.
The 26,276 square food Duanesburg YMCA building was originally built in 2009 and is located on 28.61 acres in the Village of Delanson. It currently contains a 25-yard 5-lane lap pool, a large gymnasium with retractable seating for 350 people, a wellness center, an aerobics/spin room space, a large community area space with attached full commercial kitchen, outdoor basketball and pickle ball courts, and an outdoor playground with playground equipment. The Duanesburg YMCA was closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, with the closure becoming permanent in 2022.