Take a look at the architectural rendering on p. 17. It shows the old YWCA building preserved as part of the redevelopment of that entire block, old mixed with new, and a public park space on the southwest corner of the block where the Town Branch sewer poses development problems. The $7-9 million estimate for putting new apartments in the Y building doesn’t seem insurmountable, considering that historic preservation tax credits could take care of 20 percent, and the city and private developers could each take 40 percent. That would make the city’s share less than the cost of some legislative campaigns. Don’t forget the governor is renovating the mansion and grounds across the street, and implementing plans for the Jackson Street Trail could pull the whole thing together. Mayor and council members, don’t blow this chance to make downtown cool again. Save the YW. – Fletcher Farrar, editor and publisher
This article appears in Nov 3-9, 2016.
