Studers pledge of Five Million to build a new YMCA

Soleil wrote:I was a member of a shiny giant suburban Y that was exceptional. The aspect that I enjoyed most was the diversity of the members in terms of ethnicity, age and physical and mental health that no private club would ever have. The person next to me in step class might have Down's syndrome or be 65. Having fitness in common with such a diverse group of people made going there one of the best parts of being a member. Discounts were given to people in need.

That said, the press regarding this gift is very, very bizarre. It is almost like the YMCA was not aware of the proposition in the first place, it was being strong-armed or it was a given that it would never be accepted.

Usually when a press release of this magnitude comes forth, there has been an agreement made and there is a great deal of excitement on both sides. That this is not the case makes me wonder.

The point that what goes into the park is not Studer's choice is an excellent one.

Regardless, this is one "business" that might entice me downtown in a way that a ballpark never would. A Y would be huge plus to families and young people considering relocation to the area.

PkrBum wrote:When running a scam... it's important to create the illusion of a chance to win.

2seaoat wrote:A tempest in a teapot....the park has been successful beyond anybody's initial estimates. The bonds were structured for a five year build out......and things are moving along fine.......now if the attendance of the ball park drops to 700 people a game as predicted by the same folks who write comments below every article in the PNJ.....well even Seaoat would concede.....but I would believe that we never landed on the moon first. It is a wonderful park, and the only issue is why build out all the parcels.......but the voters wanted that, so unless in my opinion something is taken back to the voters......people are stuck with private investment and buildings......

Soleil wrote:This is all a red herring for the private, self-serving, view-blocking, space-consuming Studer tower that is about to break ground.

Again, I ask, why would he announce this YMCA scheme without their backing or approval and with a self-destruct within sixty seconds if you don't accept clause?

As for the YMCA, membership is based on income and the number of family members. There ARE corporate memberships and I can see him wrangling some deal for Studergroup employees. Costs seem to run $50-$75 per month on average. $75 is the cost of entire year of gym membership in Orange Beach, AL, btw.

Still, a new Y would definitely draw people to the core, though it is an end destination as most people going to workout are not looking for fried food or are too sweaty to pop into Bodacious Olive for some truffle infused olive oil afterwards. Ever'mans would probably be the only business to regularly benefit.

On a side and slightly rambling note, a Y is heck of a lot better than scraping Indonesian reefs and shipping dying fish to put in an aquarium when a perfect way to observe marine life is just a few hundred yards to the south.

That said, I am sick of tying up that area with monoliths that block the light and are short on common areas. We have all been treated like rubes for Quints little kingdom and I want something more than that giant empty Dixie cup with the soon to be installed LED signs and office tower wrecking the view.

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I am back editing to say this. We don't need a gym. We need a wide open place to throw a ball, a playground for kids, a wide, double-wide running/walking path, sidewalks wide enough for cycling, benches for enjoying the view and trees, trees trees. Give the taxpayers something for their investment and forget this absurd idea altogether.

hallmarkgrad wrote:The concept of public access to the water front down town has always been a sham. Look at all the venues than have been destroyed or privatized. Wayside park, by the old Hiway Patrol station,, the old/new fishing bridge, Bay front, Levins Wharf, the Fish house, Palafox pier, Port Royal and other smaller places. We all know the score. We know what it will turn into. Mr Oats is talking about what would happen if you are dealing with honest, up right civic leaders and business men. Unfortunately this is not the case in down town Pensacola. Pensacola has always has been mismanaged and there is no reason to expect any change now. The only people who believe that it will change are those who do not live in the Metro area. . As Pensacola Natives, we know, the proof is in the past.

hallmarkgrad wrote:It is only a matter of time until we all see out taxes go up significantly in order to pay for this, the biggest scam in the history of Pensacola. It will not be accomplished in any other way unless pigs fly into City Hall and drop fifty million dollars on the Mayor's desk.

The Pigs will have to make 2 trips. We now owe almost 100 million.

Soleil wrote:Joani, it is a great space but the reality of this area isn't so fairy-tale perfect either. The park and island are part of my regular running route (Kahala to Ala Moana when I am at UH) and it houses a lot of homeless tent people, and is a haven for drug use. The challenge is coming up with a balanced plan of constant use...people coming and going....crime prevention....

If you want a better model look as close as the end of Palafox when they had their Thursday concerts...kids in the fountains...people fishing for dinner...people getting ice cream.....young couples cycling. It's only problem was simply that the space is too small.

hallmarkgrad wrote:Damn it!!!! Houston We have a problem!!!!!