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Plainfield leaders outline ‘Center of Excellence’ recreation hub; housing to be separate and 100% affordable
Summary
Council heard a briefing on the planned 55,000 sq ft Center of Excellence (the former YMCA) and related redevelopment steps; directors said the recreation facility will be separate from mixed‑use residential behind it, and city staff will pursue multiple grants, including a possible $4 million DCA award.
Plainfield officials told the City Council that the planned Center of Excellence — the former 55,000‑square‑foot YMCA building — will be redeveloped as a recreation and enrichment facility separate from a proposed mixed‑use residential parcel behind it.
Economic Development Director (first referenced SEG 1032) told the council the project program includes a competition pool, basketball court, indoor track, multipurpose rooms, a commercial kitchen and café, a climbing wall and event space. The city is applying for a Department of Community Affairs grant of up to $4,000,000 to cover professional services and construction for the recreational building; staff indicated no matching funds are required for that grant application.
The director said the residential component that would sit behind the recreation building is a separate, mixed‑use parcel and will be 100% affordable housing. ‘‘All of these grants that were listed 100% go towards the recreational space,’’ the director stated (clarifying remarks, SEG 1669–1696).
Public commenters said they were unclear whether the overall block plan prioritized apartments over community recreation. One resident who spoke during general public comment said earlier materials had referenced roughly 200 apartments and wanted clarity on scale and budget (SEG 1514–1545). In response, Director Fields clarified the city intends the 55,000‑square‑foot building to be a standalone recreation center and the residential units to occupy a separate land parcel and be affordable housing (SEG 1669–1696).
Council members asked about timing and cost estimates. Economic development staff said an estimate is being finalized pending a final agreement with the developer; the timeline in council discussion targets work beginning in spring 2025 for initial activities such as professional services and design (SEG 1109–1116, SEG 1144–1148).
What happens next: several resolutions related to the project (contract increases for architects and engineers, a redevelopment study for 204 Spooner Ave., and an application for DCA funds) were placed on the consent voting agenda for formal approval. The council added the items to the voting meeting and later passed the consent agenda that includes the related resolutions (consent approved, SEG 1639–1654).
