00;00;00;03 - 00;00;22;08 Stephanie Wiechmann Though the YMCA and city officials say this is a concept, not a formal proposal, there's already a bird's eye view of the site and a price tag. YMCA CEO Chad Zaucha says the organization will need to raise $ 20 million to build a large new building and parking lot, with possibly 170 to 300 parking spaces on the current green space at Tuhey Park, next to a pool and playground. 00;00;22;10 - 00;00;27;29 Stephanie Wiechmann And though this isn't a city project, council member Jeff Robinson asked Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour: 00;00;28;01 - 00;00;30;03 Jeff Robinson Do you support this project? 00;00;30;06 - 00;00;32;27 Dan Ridenour As I look at the plan, I think it's the best location. 00;00;33;01 - 00;00;40;02 Stephanie Wiechmann Two neighborhoods near Tuhey Park say they oppose the privatization. Beth Messner is with the Riverside Normal City Neighborhood Association. 00;00;40;06 - 00;00;51;19 Beth Messner For the residents of Muncie, who will be required to pay a fee for use of public land that should be available to them without fee, given that it's supported by their hard earned tax dollars. 00;00;51;26 - 00;01;08;14 Stephanie Wiechmann Because of Covid restrictions, residents were asked to email in statements. More than 100 did. Robinson says 105 were opposed to the use of Tuhey Park, and three supported it during the live public comment period. Jama Clark says she exercises and teaches at the Y because it's downtown now. 00;01;08;20 - 00;01;23;28 Jama Clark Being a member of the YMCA has played an integral part of the person I have grown into in these last several years. I work downtown. If I have not had access to the YMCA downtown, I would not be a part of this organization. 00;01;24;01 - 00;01;30;26 Stephanie Wiechmann Andy Shears, who grew up in Muncie and owns the Muncie Map Co. says he's found six alternate sites for the Y's move. And he added: 00;01;31;02 - 00;01;37;16 Andy Shears When I was growing up, we couldn't afford a membership. There wasn't anything offered to us for it. We couldn't afford one. 00;01;37;22 - 00;01;48;04 Stephanie Wiechmann The Muncie Parks Board already approved the proposal in October, but there is no current proposal up for a vote by the Muncie City Council. At the end of the committee meeting, Robinson didn't call for committee member opinions. 00;01;48;06 - 00;02;08;08 Jeff Robinson But but I'll tell you, I, I listen to my constituents, and this is in my district. It's clear the people are very passionate about this park space. I would urge the YMCA to continue to investigate other, more suitable options, something that the community can be in favor of. 00;02;08;11 - 00;02;11;00 Stephanie Wiechmann In Muncie, Stephanie Wiechmann, IPR news.