By Steve Davidson
Contributing Writer

The number of YMCAs in Bexar County will soon grow from five to six, thanks in large part to the long-held vision of San Antonio City Councilwoman Shelia McNeil.

As part of a $4 million bond approved by voters in 2007, a $25,000 feasibility study recently completed by FourSquare Research, Inc. is paving the way for the projected June 2009 completion of a state-of-the-art YMCA to be located at the former Albertson’s grocery store at the 5500 block of Walzem Road.

Of the vacant grocery store’s current 55,000 square feet, plans are in order for the new YMCA facility to occupy 30,000 square feet.

According to Jarvis Soileau, council aide to McNeil, an early concern of McNeil’s is at long last coming to fruition.

“From the very onset of the councilwoman’s first term, it was made apparent the astronomical need for youth programming in the northeast part of District 2,” Soileau said. “The northeast part of our district had seen a substantial increase in juvenile-related crimes in several northeast side neighborhoods. This project delivers on providing our youth in our communities the opportunity to receive social and educational development needed to reach their full potential.”

Heading the multi-million dollar project will be Joe Bueno, vice president of corporate development for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio. According to Bueno, credit councilwoman McNeil for delivery of the state-of-the-art Y.

“Without councilwoman McNeil’s help, without her desire to work with the entire community, this would not be happening,” Bueno said. “It’s because of councilwoman McNeil and the relationship we’ve had with her that this is happening. She secured the funding. She identified the location. She should get a lot of the credit for this happening. She’s the catalyst.”

The projected plans for the new YMCA facility include a full-size gymnasium, new weightlifting equipment, child care facilities for parents working out, shower facilities, aerobic studios, multi-purpose rooms for meetings, a Y-Land for children, summer camps for children, and teen programs. Bueno said he has his sights on a warm water pool for senior citizens and obtaining the 3-acre parcel next to the abandoned Albertson’s for development of a children’s splash-pad.

“This is all about addressing needs, from infants to senior citizens,” he added.

“The YMCA entering the picture is an absolute plus for this area,” said Windcrest Mayor, Jack Leonhardt. “They are recognized for their programs for people of all ages and for their management and aggressive actions to increase facilities in San Antonio and surrounding areas. The Walzem Road location is strategically located considering the number of schools, youths, and residents in the area.”

According to Leonhardt, without the support from area schools and churches, few activities and facilities would be available to both the area youth and its senior citizens.

“With the city of Windcrest having 53 percent of our homes occupied by a person over 65 years of age, and to include over 1,000 residents over the age of 75 years, our city government has always supported the need for facilities on the northeast side,” Leonhardt said. “Be assured that many Windcrest residents will be paying membership fees to support the YMCA Operation.

“The thank you goes to councilwoman McNeil for including several million dollars in the last San Antonio bond election for activity facilities on the northeast side,” he added.