The YMCA of Greater Rochester announced Wednesday that it is permanently closing its Carlson MetroCenter branch due to financial challenges. YMCA leaders say in the year prior to the pandemic shutdown, only 19 percent of Carlson members actively used the branch once a week or more. In a press release, leaders stated, "As an organization, we cannot continue to dedicate financial resources to sustain a building that has nearly 65,000-square-feet allocated to health and wellness with so few people using it on a daily basis." Critics of the decision say the YMCA is prioritizing suburban members over members in the city. We discuss the news with our guests:
- George Romell, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Rochester
- Pam Cowan, chief marketing and experience officer for the YMCA of Greater Rochester
- Chris Widmaier, former member of the YMCA of Greater Rochester
