Community leaders worry about ripple effects of Steele Creek YMCA’s closure

CHARLOTTE — The YMCA in the Steele Creek area of Charlotte is shutting down, and some neighbors are concerned about the long-term impacts of the closure, especially for kids in the community.

Channel 9′s Evan Donovan spoke with several people about the closure, and they say there have been issues with crime among juveniles in parts of the area. Neighbors say with the Y closing, it creates a challenge for kids who don’t have enough to do.

“Yeah, we’re just not seeing that investment,” said Joi Mayo, the board chair at Transforming Nations Ford, an organization dedicated to improving communities in southwest Charlotte.

The Steele Creek YMCA is Mayo’s home branch, and she says the closure continues a long trend.

“Historically, there’s been a lot of violence in that area -- we’re top four in the city for violent crimes, we talk about youth engagement and youth getting into crimes, but how are we being proactive and preventative?” Mayo told Donovan.

Mayo says the community has asked for a regional rec center for decades, the type of community space that’s similar to the Y but even more comprehensive. Mayo says that’s especially important for kids.

“We know 30% of the residents in that area are under 18. So, right now they have nowhere to go. I know kids that are playing in parking lots. That’s problematic,” Mayo said.

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Channel 9 asked the YMCA for an interview to understand more about the closure. The organization said no one was available, but sent a statement.

“The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is evolving its service to the Steele Creek community. As part of this transition, we have made the decision not to renew the lease on our Ayrsley health and wellness facility,” the statement said.

They say they plan to refocus efforts with several local churches.

Mayo says that’s good and would like to see more school programs too, but the physical space matters.

“Just a safe place for people to go,” Mayo said.

We asked the Y about how much the location is being used and how it compares to other locations, and we asked Mecklenburg County about the request for a rec center. We’ll let you know when we hear back.

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