What was once a dream on two fronts for the City of Williamsport now appears to be developing into an exciting reality.
In very rapid succession last week, the YMCA announced it has sold its present facility at 320 Elmira St. to a private developer for a reported $2.5 million and City Council approved a development plan for the entire former Y complex.
That means something called Destination 2014 by Mayor Gabriel J. Campana is about to unfold.
The Pickelner Arena will be renovated and expanded from 38,000 square feet to 60,000 and become a multi-purpose sports arena.
The portion of the YMCA where the pool is located will be demolished to accommodate the expansion.
The old YMCA space will be turned into apartments.
And the new YMCA will be built at the south entrance of the Susquehanna Health campus, with a projected completion date of 2014.
Should this all come to fruition, an entire block of downtown will be revitalized into a modern, inviting anchor attraction for Williamsport and the Y will be in a modern, more efficient facility that is a natural neighbor to the Susquehanna Health medical facilities.
It's exciting stuff, especially given the amount of private investment included in the plan.
We salute the private initiative as well as the vision of the YMCA and city leadership. Our hope is that all facets of the project are able to move forward with practicality that assures long-term success on all fronts.
