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YMCA in Havertown?

By Tyler G. Wagner

Real Estate Agent with Wagner Inc. Real Estate

July 15, 2009 03:50 AM

The Swell Bubble Gum Factory could become the next site of a YMCA! While talks are in the preliminary stages, Haverford Township, through eminent domain, has been working on acquiring the existing property and setting up a long term lease with the YMCA.

I personally think it could be a great addition to the area. I've heard awesome things about the new YMCAs in the region, from great programming for families to reasonable membership costs. Also, as I'd love to have access to a local indoor swimming facility, this could be a great centrally located option. We'll see.

Check out this Delco Times Article for the lastest:

http://delcotimes.com/articles/2009/06/24/news/doc4a41976fc9b1c225979227.txt

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Tyler G. Wagner

Wagner Inc. Real Estate - Havertown, PA

Realtor (R), Associate Broker

Just a quick update to the Havertown YMCA. I was recently surfing the Haverford Township Website and came across the Plans for the new YMCA. I'm surprised how much land is being used, right next to the 7 Eleven for parking, but its definitely interesting to look at. The overall work is going to make a huge difference!

Check out the plans:

http://www.haverfordtownship.com/egov/docs/1281622299_421142.pdf

Tyler

Oct 18, 2010 04:52 AM

Anonymous

Oakmont Resident

I'm sure that if you lived right behind where the parking lots are going to be located for the Y you would not be as enthusiastic about it. Residents have been looking at trees and open space behind their properties for a very long time, and will now have that taken away. Quiet side streets around the Y will be filled with traffic trying to get off of Eagle Road, which will be jammed beyond capacity. The Y IS NOT a good thing for Haverford township!!!! Especially not for the people who live in the immediate area. Look at those plans again and look at where those parking lots are going. How would you like that in your back yard. Talk about a decrease in property value!

Nov 28, 2010 10:10 AM

I appreciate your comment and frustration. Its always tough on residents whenever new projects occur in a town with mostly residential neighborhoods that have very little open space. The Eagle Road corridor is a mess with or without a new Y going in. Traffic is impossible during any rush hour and there's very little charm in all the concrete that sits in front of most the commercial spaces. I was surprised to see the extent of the plans for the Y. However, I am very tired of looking at the sad state of what was the Philly Swell Gum Factory as it is one of the biggest eye sores in Havertown. Of course the super fund site has also been a mess for this area as well. If I were a resident that backs up to the property of what will most like be the Y, I certainly can understand your frustration not just from this but from many years of external obsolescence effecting your neighborhood. On a positive note, there are several groups working to improve the Eagle Road Corridor as well as the other business districts. Quite a bit of work and research has gone into coming up with traffic and aesthetic solutions for the area. While a Y might not be ideal for everyone, I've been very impressed by their newest local facilities (Kennett, West Chester, Concordville, Jennersville). As a great local resource for families and folks of every age and background, I think it will honestly attract people to the area and increase home values in the long run. Kennett is a great example of where a Y actually helped revitalize the community and town center.

Nov 29, 2010 03:17 AM

YMCA in Havertown?

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Tyler G. Wagner

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