‘It is definitely a loss': Buffalo leaders react to YMCA closing Delaware Ave. branch

Yahoo

23-03-2025

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — After being open for close to a century, YMCA's branch on Delaware Avenue in North Buffalo will be closing its doors.
Buffalo's North District Council member Joe Golombek said he wasn't surprised by the closure.
'I sort of expected this long term,' he said. 'I didn't think it would happen as quickly as it did, though. There's been a lot of rumors. But you hear all sorts of rumors from developers, and in City Hall. Unfortunately, this rumor came to be true.'
Golombek said the facility meant a lot to the neighborhood.
'It is definitely a loss, especially for the people that use it,' he said. 'It's just another one of those little things that takes away from the traditional fabric and community of a neighborhood.'
The Delaware YMCA, located at 2564 Delaware Ave., is closing its doors on April 4. A spokesperson with the organization said the closure is due to significant financial losses and deferred maintenance costs.
'While the decision to close the Delaware Y is incredibly difficult, it allows us to focus on strengthening our impact in our region,' said John Ehrbar, YMCA Buffalo Niagara President and CEO.
Despite the closure, construction on a new outdoor YMCA camp called Camp Swan is expected to start later this year and will be located on Elmwood Avenue near Hertel Avenue.
Until Camp Swan's completion, Golombek is concerned about residents without transportation having access to the services YMCA provides.
'The concern that I have is the people that live in this immediate area not having that walkable place to go to,' he said.
Current members will still receive full access to other YMCAs in the area.
'I spent a lot of time at the YMCA as a child taking swimming and karate lessons, playing floor hockey, and I am sad to hear they are closing the Delaware location,' Delaware District Council Member Joel Feroleto said in a statement. 'I'm happy they still are committed to our area in their realignment and that they are continuing the tradition of the Turkey Trot. One of the best road races in the country!'
Golombek would like to see the former Delaware Avenue site be turned into apartments.
Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work.
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