New YMCA to open in the Rockaways next summer

Image source: NYDN

The NY Daily News reports that a new YMCA is going to open up next summer as part of the Arverne-by-the-Sea development in the Rockaways. The project cost $22 million ($10 million was from the city) and will be built on 2.2 acres.

The Y states, “…we’ll cut the ribbon on our new 44,000 square-foot YMCA on 2.2 acres at Beach 73rd Street and Rockaway Beach Boulevard, not just part of the Arverne-by-the-Sea development, but the center of community life for the whole Peninsula.” This Y will have some excellent facilities to boast about – the largest aquatic center of any Y in the city; an outdoor multi-purpose sports field; and a 6,500 square food gymnasium.

For a while the building was expected to open in Spring 2013, but that has been delayed until the summer. Part of the delay was that it couldn’t meet appropriate LEED certification. Mayor Bloomberg ended up signing a waiver in order to let construction start.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall believes this YMCA will only help the Rockaways come back to their former glory, “When I first came to the Rockaways they were still struggling. This will bring it all together. It’s like the Hamptons West.”

The Rockaways have become a real destination over the past few years, as the arrival of high-end foodie beach food arrived with places like Rockaway Taco and Motorboat & the Big Banana. For a long time it’s also been a favorite spot for local surfers. And we might even see a boutique hotel open up in the area.

Long-delayed YMCA at Arverne by the Sea ready to open in 2013 [NYDN]