Lakewood Y

This kind of got lost in the shuffle of city manager news yesterday, but i wanted to note that the resolution of the Lakewood Y situation announced yesterday seems to be a good thing all around. From the press release:

After months of consideration, Durham County Government, Durham Public Schools, and YMCA of the Triangle announced a joint venture initiating the redevelopment of the Lakewood YMCA located at 2119 Chapel Hill Road. In an effort to preserve the facility, the partnership between the private and public agencies will involve the County purchasing the Lakewood YMCA property and completing renovation.

“This is a triple win for the community, the school district and the YMCA. Durham County is delighted to partner with the Durham Public Schools and Triangle YMCA to provide an exciting new educational opportunity for middle school students, while retaining the YMCA as a community focal point,” said Ellen Reckhow, Chairman of the Durham County Board of Commissioners.

An Interlocal agreement between the County and Durham Public Schools will include construction of a new middle school on the site on behalf of the school system. The school will be designed to service approximately 300 students.

“This is yet another example of the unparalleled levels of support that Durham Public Schools receives from the Durham community,” said Minnie Forte-Brown, Chair of the DPS Board of Education. “We are very grateful to the Board of County Commissioners for providing such a perfect space for a new middle school to serve our young people. So many young lives will be greatly enhanced by this splendid partnership.”