The town of Irondequoit is hosting a public information forum tonight so residents can learn more about the proposed 43,000-square-foot community center that would be located at the former Irondequoit Mall.
Supervisor Dave Seeley said the proposal would give the town an amenity it hasn't had and enhance the quality of life for residents.
He said the proposal also allows the town "to play a role in the rebirth of the mall, which I think a lot of people are concerned about as well."
Seeley said most other communities have amenities like this, and while the town's recreation department has grown over the past several years, the one barrier to continued growth is a lack of space.
"This really allows us to flex our muscles and spread our wings with our recreation, and I think the opportunities are endless," he said. "Frankly, if you're a resident, you shouldn't have to go to a different town to experience a YMCA or a JCC-like facility."
Seeley said tonight's meeting is the last one before a referendum goes to voters next week, asking them to determine if the town should proceed with the $8.5 million project.
"So, leading up to the vote," Seeley said, "we want to make sure people have as much information and we're accessible and able to provide that information and answer questions they might have about the proposal."
The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Irondequoit Town Hall, 1280 Titus Ave.
The community center is part of a bigger project at the site called Skyview on the Ridge.
Two tenants already have signed leases: St. Ann’s Community, which will expand its adult day health care program, and Pathstone, which plans to create senior housing in the former Sears site and in a separate building to the east.
