The Peru Gazette

June 25, 2025 Assemblyman Billy Jones News Release – Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) was joined by New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie at the future site of the Plattsburgh YMCA on Tuesday morning. Jones announced that $4.5 million would be put toward the project’s completion during the visit. 

“The Plattsburgh YMCA is a community project that we all want to see complete,” Jones said during a press conference. “Constructing this new state-of-the-art facility and renovating the location’s pool are much-needed upgrades that will allow our community to have more recreational opportunities for our community. Many of our hardworking families in the North Country continue to struggle to find child-friendly recreational opportunities, but the YMCA remains a critical resource for accessible after-school care and year-round offerings. From children to seniors, the new YMCA facility will be able to provide countless educational and recreational opportunities for all residents of the area. By investing in their growth, we can ensure that the YMCA has all the tools they need to continue providing for our community.” 

“The YMCA provides critical access to recreational, community programming, and childcare for families all across our state,” Speaker Heastie said. “Expanding the opportunities they have to continue providing such an incredible service to this community is a must, and I’m honored to be able to visit the future site of this exciting development.” 

Justin Ihne, the CEO of the Plattsburgh YMCA, accompanied the pair alongside multiple community organizations and individual donors. 

“This is not just about building a building, it’s about building a community resource,” Ihne said. 

Upon the completion of the project, the YMCA building will expand to total nearly 50,000 square feet: Adding a second floor that will house a new fitness center, completing the necessary renovations to the pool area, and creating new classrooms and community learning spaces. Upon its completion, community members of all ages will be able to partake in various learning opportunities, including kitchen safety and cooking courses, swimming lessons, water safety courses, and more. 

“I can’t thank the YMCA’s community partners enough,” Jones said. “Every business, organization, and individual that has donated, I would like to take a moment to recognize and appreciate their generosity and dedication to improving the lives of our community and children.” 

Construction is expected to begin later this year.