Merrillville’s six-year-old community center might become part of the Crossroads YMCA family by next spring, pending Town Council approval. The Dean and Barbara White Center Foundation, opened in 2021, plans to sell the center at 6600 Broadway for $23 million. Crossroads YMCA would operate the facility, as explained by Executive Director Bill Hanna during a special meeting on May 28.
The foundation aims to expand the building, offering programs and childcare similar to other facilities. As of now, most amenities are free for Merrillville residents, but the expansion would introduce a monthly fee. This fee would allow access to any of Crossroads YMCA’s facilities.
The town plans to use the $23 million from the sale, along with remaining funds from a previous $10 million naming rights deal, to clear debt. Councilman Shawn Pettit, D-6, mentioned that the community center is tied to two bond issues. Previously, one bond was covered by taxpayers through a GEO bond, while the other was paid from a tax increment finance district. Businesses in allocation areas are now covering the bond payments.
“(The YMCA deal) will relieve that stress on the Redevelopment Commission and the town’s obligation to those two bonds and free up $1.7 million again that can be used for public safety. I am 150% behind this project,” Pettit stated.
There is mixed feedback about the proposal. Michael Miller, a resident, expressed dissatisfaction, feeling the council has predetermined the decision. Pettit countered that decisions require four council votes and highlighted financial challenges, including the impact of Senate Enrolled Act 1.
Resident Barbara Critten-Green, who frequents the community center, voiced concerns about the new fees for activities currently free. She questioned the benefits of these changes.
Council Vice President Rhonda Neal, D-1, suggested that the YMCA could provide more for children and teenagers than the town under current conditions. Meanwhile, Councilwoman Shauna Haynes Edwards, D-2, stated she supports the sale only with a plan for an alternative community center.
“While I recognize the financial challenges associated with the facility, it is important to acknowledge the circumstances that have led us to this point. Decisions made by previous councils regarding planning and development have contributed to the challenges the town now faces, and regrettably, current residents are experiencing the consequences of those decisions,” she noted on social media.
If the council votes to sell, the transaction might finalize within 12 to 18 months, according to Pettit.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
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