YMCA, Mission Viejo Work Through Space Issue, "No Plans To Sell"

Mission Viejo CA

30 September, 2021

1:15 PM

Description

MISSION VIEJO, CA — After what they call unfounded public outcry and concern, the City of Mission Viejo has promised they have no plans to tear down the YMCA building and sell the property. The city leases the property to the YMCA and will continue to do so, Mission Viejo City Manager Dennis Wilberg said during Tuesday's City Council's meeting. The City Manager's statement comes on the heels of misinformation circulating on social media relating to the Oso Creek Golf Course and Public Space Vision Plan. In both a July 27 public workshop and the September 13 Planning and Transportation Commission meeting, a consultant working on the Vision Plan presented "a list of additional ideas and opportunities that the City may consider in the long-term." The city noted two draft concepts in the event the YMCA decides to move to a different facility. The YMCA's lease with the City, which is $1 per year, runs through 2037. The notion of the YMCA potentially relocating has been broached by the YMCA, which reiterated its desire to expand its footprint in the community to the City in discussions as well as a letter dated September 15, which stated: "We are 100 percent committed to the community of Mission Viejo, and we have expressed a desire to enlarge our footprint and impact in Mission Viejo. That might involve expanding current facilities or potentially relocating to another location within the City of Mission Viejo." In the YMCA's current space, there is little room to expand. On Tuesday, the Executive Director of the YMCA thanked the City and echoed the City Manager's sentiment that the City and YMCA continue to work collaboratively for the betterment of our community, as expressed in the following statement by the organization: "The City of Mission Viejo and the YMCA of Orange County are committed to each other and the residents of the community. Both organizations are dedicated to providing the best services, resources and programs. We are looking forward to expanding our efforts and growing our collective impact together." At the City Council's meeting on November 9, the city will share a complete presentation on the Oso Creek Golf Course and Public Space Vision Plan for the next 4 to 6 years. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting or tune in for the latest news and information. Interested community members should sign up for the City's eNewsletter and follow the City's official social media sites for the latest accurate news and information.