Council approves $35,000 ARPA addendum for Sylvia Newcomb Center preconstruction work

York City Council on Jan. 21 approved an agreement with Wagman Construction for preconstruction consulting and construction management services and a $35,000 ARPA addendum covering seven months of preconstruction work at the Sylvia Newcomb Center.

Council discussion praised the project as a reuse of a long-vacant building and as a site for recreation, youth programming and family services. Commissioner Muldrow and project partners outlined plans to offer recreation, workforce development, theater, dance and laundry facilities intended to remove barriers that keep some students from attending school.

“It's poised to be so much more than an additional rec center,” Commissioner Muldrow said, describing plans to provide evening meals, pantry access and laundering facilities for youth and families. Muldrow credited project partners, including Diaz Woodard, for program development and said the police department has acted as a project manager during early stages.

Council members and public speakers welcomed the reuse of the building and urged the city to honor local leaders with ties to the neighborhood. Manuel Gomez, a public commenter, asked the council to consider honoring Krystal Sexton and other community volunteers whose work predated recent funding.

The approved ARPA addendum covers only preconstruction services; further procurement and construction contracts will be required before physical construction begins. Council recorded an affirmative roll-call vote to authorize the agreement and funding.

Next steps listed during the meeting included executing the Wagman agreement and continuing community engagement and programming planning.