We have all been deluged with mailers, letters to the editor,
and signs opposing the Sammamish Community and Aquatic Center and disparaging
your City Council and administration.
This negative campaign is funded by a single business owner who is not a
Sammamish resident and has committed more than $45,000 to defeat the advisory
vote. Much of the information in their
flyers is incorrect, especially the claim that the city is giving a $25 million
gift to the YMCA.
The third of our population which is under 18 badly needs this type of facility – and has
for years! This is equally true for seniors
and retirees. Current facilities –
public or private – simply do not meet that need! The Community Center will – and affordably!
A place for all ages and income levels, it will include two
gyms, exercise facilities, an indoor track, lap and family swimming pools, much
needed meeting space, and a ramp that will provide additional public parking capacity
for the library and city hall.
The Community Center will be a partnership between the city
and the YMCA and is NOT a gift!! The city retains title to the building and
land; the YMCA will be the city’s operator.
The city will provide the site and $25 million in
construction funding, including $14 million from the Parks Capital Fund.
The YMCA will contribute $5 million for construction plus $1
million in equipment and furnishings. Sammamish
gets a 50 year lease at $1/year on seven acres of Y property near Pine Lake
Middle School for future civic purposes.
They bring operating expertise and programming to the facility and will
be responsible for maintenance and upkeep, shifting that burden from Sammamish
taxpayers.
Final agreement with the YMCA still needs Council
approval. User fees, needed no matter
who operates it, are still being worked out but Sammamish residents will
get a discount on programs and some activity fees. Additionally, there will be periods where the
facility will be open to all city residents at no charge.
No new taxes will be needed!
This is a good deal for Sammamish!! VOTE FOR Proposition 1!
Mayor Tom Odell
City of Sammamish