Norwich hoping to save their YMCA

Norwich (WTNH) - Saving the YMCA is a sentiment shared by many in Norwich who gathered at City Hall hoping to stop the Y from closing for its 2,000 members, 20 residents and countless others.

"It will have a tremendous impact," said Bernie Lippman. "It will be a tragedy for the city."

"I think it will be a terrible thing," said Michael Cordeiro, a YMCA worker. "Especially since I know personally how many kids depend on this place and literally have nowhere else to go during the summer or after school."

Michael Cordeiro is a fitness coach and camp counselor at the Y. Donna Welch started using the Y's pool after back surgery.

"There is no other aquatherapy available anywhere around here unless you want to drive to Westerly, R.I. or Westbrook, Connecticut," said Welch.

The Y is slated to close at the end of April; it just can't afford to stay open.

"The deficit for 2008 turned out to be much bigger than we expected," said YMCA Board Member Michael Lahan. "We can't be in a place where we can't pay our employees."

A few years ago the Y spent about $900,000 to improve the fitness facilities in Norwich. The hope was it would boost membership. It did a little but not enough to support all the programs they run here.

The programs foster child care and summer camps for low income kids. The Y is about a million dollars in debt. The meeting between city leaders and the Y's board of directors drew crowds; they were asked to come back next week when their questions could be answered.

"Next week we'll know more," said City Councilor Bob Zarnetske. "We will have some strategies outlined that may work. We'll hear from the public about what they think is the best alternative."