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Commission hears $2 million purchase of YMCA site tied to joint-use school project
Summary
Resolution 826-19 would let Hamilton County buy about 12 acres where the North River YMCA sits for $2,000,000 and lease the YMCA back for $1.00 per 99 years under a joint-use agreement tied to the Franklin Roberts project; commissioners asked about contingency terms, lease responsibilities, and timeline for school board and YMCA approvals.
Commissioners reviewed Res. 826-19, authorizing the county mayor to execute a purchase agreement with Hamilton County Schools and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga to buy land on Hixson Pike for $2,000,000 and to authorize county execution of related documents.
A staff representative said the county would purchase roughly 12 acres where the North River YMCA sits and lease the building back under a 99-year lease for nominal consideration. "We'll lease it back for a dollar for 99 years," the staff member said. Commissioners asked about contingencies if the YMCA decided not to continue use; staff said first-right-of-refusal provisions are included for both parties and that the transaction has been a six-month process with the YMCA CEO and the school system involved.
Questions also focused on maintenance and who is responsible for upkeep. Staff described the lease as a triple-net arrangement in which the lessee remains responsible for maintenance. The commission is scheduled to vote on the purchase Aug. 19 pending the school board and YMCA approvals; staff said a groundbreaking is hoped for before the end of the month and projected substantial completion in Fall 2028.
