Lacey Committee plans YMCA referendum as residents demand clearer cost, liability details

Mayor Paul Kennis and the Lacey Township Committee told residents at a June 25 caucus meeting that a proposed partnership to build a YMCA-operated community center on an approximately 10-acre Township-owned parcel will be placed on the November general election ballot for voter consideration.

The proposal, presented by YMCA and Gro Development representatives Rod Grozier and Danny Forrester, envisions a Township-owned facility operated by the YMCA that would offer youth programming, aquatics, senior services and workforce development. "Keep an open mind and objectively consider the proposed YMCA partnership project," Mayor Kennis said, urging residents to review materials the Township will post online.

Residents at the public meeting urged the Committee to provide more complete financial and operational information before the referendum. Steven Bahrle said he opposes the plan "based on its anticipated financial impact to taxpayers," asking how much the Township has already spent, what assumptions underlie tax‑impact estimates and whether leasing the site to the YMCA rather than Township-financed construction had been considered. Administrator Laureigh said she did not have figures for prior spending at the meeting; Mayor Kennis said the Township tax assessor prepared estimates using the 2025 tax rate and the concept assumes 30‑year bond financing.

Other speakers pressed similar themes. Tom Styler asked about anticipated interest costs; Mayor Kennis responded the estimated annual payment, including interest, would be "approximately $3.2 million." Regina Discenza asked whether the YMCA would be property‑tax exempt; Mayor Kennis said it would. Pat Doyle, noting experience in commercial real estate, urged the Township to publish pro forma documents, contract drafts, insurance and indemnification language and liability analyses before asking voters to decide.

Jeremy Grunin, vice chair of the YMCA of the Jersey Shore, spoke in favor of the partnership, saying YMCA facilities can attract philanthropic support and complement local providers. Grunin noted that roughly 40% of Lacey households are classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and framed the proposal as addressing countywide needs such as services for seniors, veterans, children and working families.

Representatives from Gro Development said the facility would not include transitional housing or overnight accommodations as part of the Lacey concept, though it could be used as an emergency shelter in disasters. Rod Grozier also said the YMCA follows procurement and design practices that standardize many building components while adapting facilities to local climates and needs.

Committee members repeatedly described the decision to place the proposal on the ballot as a matter for residents. Committeeman Laureigh said residents would receive priority registration and discounted membership rates under the proposed agreement and emphasized more information will be made available before November. Committeeman Curatolo and Committeeman McDonald said they would defer to voters; McDonald also cited recent youth tragedies to argue for expanded youth resources.

The caucus meeting also recorded routine business: a resolution (No. 2026-215) to convene an executive session under the Open Public Meetings Act was moved and carried, and the meeting was adjourned after public comment.

Next steps: the Township will post presentation materials and additional information on its website, staff said some detailed project information is expected by August, and the Committee plans to present the partnership to voters on the November general election ballot.