My thoughts on the Wayne Community Center fire

It’s very unfortunate that the Wayne Community Center experienced an electrical fire that will keep the facility closed for an extended period. I recently joined the Center through my service with the Wayne Volunteer Fire Department and Wayne First Aid Squad and was looking forward to taking advantage of everything it has to offer.

What I don’t agree with is using this unfortunate incident to suggest that Wayne never should have purchased the property. I supported the purchase then, and I still believe it was the right long-term decision for Wayne.

If we are serious about fighting overdevelopment, we have to be willing to act when opportunities arise. We already have significant development occurring or planned along Valley Road Extension, Hamburg Turnpike and Alps Road, with the former Toys “R” Us property likely to be developed in the future.

The former YMCA gave Wayne an opportunity to preserve approximately 14 acres in this same area that were already tax exempt. The property is zoned industrial and could have become a warehouse or another development adding even more traffic to our roads. A developer could also have pursued residential development through the affordable housing process.

It’s also worth remembering that the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges had exercised an option to purchase the property before Wayne stepped in. If you’re curious what could have happened next, take a look at what has happened with Metro YMCA properties in Hackensack and Livingston.

Instead, Wayne secured permanent public control of 14 acres while obtaining the Community Center it was already considering developing elsewhere.

That doesn’t mean we ignore the problems with an older building. The boiler and now the electrical system have required significant investment. The Township needs to closely monitor the entire facility and have a long-term capital plan so we can identify problems before they become emergencies.

But an electrical fire doesn’t change my view of the original decision. I would rather see Wayne invest in a Community Center on 14 acres owned by the people of Wayne than look back years from now at another major development and wonder why we didn’t act when we had the opportunity.

I look forward to seeing the Community Center reopen and continue serving Wayne for many years to come.