Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon previews plan for new downtown facility

The Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon told the City Council on Feb. 10 that it plans to buy a parcel on First Street between First and Second Avenue and build a new, three‑story clubhouse roughly three times the size of its current South Sixth Avenue site to expand after‑school, teen and workforce‑training programs.

The presentation, led by the club’s leadership and board president Rob Potak, outlined programming goals, an architect’s preliminary design and next steps for zoning and approvals. The proposal would relocate the club closer to downtown while continuing to serve its core South Side membership, the presenters said.

The club said the new facility would allow simultaneous space for younger children and teens, avoid the current practice of running separate programs because of space constraints, and add an industrial kitchen for a proposed culinary arts program. "We want the kids of Mount Vernon to deserve a state of the art facility," said the club’s presenter (identified in the meeting as Mr. Campos). Board President Rob Potak said the site would better accommodate on‑site drop off and internal courtyard circulation, and that the rooftop would include a small enclosed mini soccer court and potential solar array on the gym roof.

Attorney Steve Bridal told council members the property is currently in the downtown business district and the club’s proposed use is not permitted there under existing zoning. Bridal described the next steps as a zoning amendment, potential dimensional and parking variances if needed, and later site plan review by the planning board. "No official step is being taken tonight," he said; the presentation was a request for early feedback.

Council members asked about a pool, solar panels, parking and the timetable. The club said there is no pool in the plan, solar panels are proposed for the gym roof, and the land purchase is funded while the full capital campaign for construction remains in progress. The presenters gave a rough cost estimate in the $17–25 million range and said they have raised nearly half of a $22 million target in commitments from board and related donors; they said they expect to launch wider fundraising once design is finalized. The club estimated design completion by the end of 2025 and an 18‑month construction period, putting a possible opening in 2027 if funding and approvals proceed on schedule.

Council members raised parking and traffic concerns for the dense downtown site. The architect said the design includes a courtyard with about 10 car spaces plus room for two vans and bus drop‑offs; club leaders said staff parking would use the on‑site spaces and they are engaging a parking consultant to analyze demand and alternatives. Several council members recommended the club explore structured parking or pairing with nearby parking to avoid overburdening surrounding streets during peak hours and special events.

The presenters said the club intends to sell the existing Sixth Avenue building if the new facility proceeds. The presenters also described expanded mental‑health services (a part‑time mental health professional has been working with youth and families since the pandemic) and continued community programming, including Saturday teen nights run in partnership with local firefighters.

Council President Brown and others thanked the team and took no formal action; Bridal reiterated that subsequent steps will include formal applications to the city for zoning and site plan approval.