SOLVAY, NY – Jan. 27, 2005 – Renovation of the Solvay-Geddes Community Youth Center began today when New York State Senator John DeFrancisco, Onondaga County Executive Nicholas Pirro, Onondaga County Legislator Jim Corbett and Geddes Town Supervisor Bob Czaplicki tore down the ceiling in the facility’s main conference room. DeFrancisco, who secured $100,000 of grant money for the reconstruction, Pirro, Corbett and Czaplicki were joined by Honeywell Syracuse Area Program Director John McAuliffe. In September, Honeywell pledged $250,000 to support the reconstruction of the 40 year-old facility.
“Now more than ever, it is important to provide a safe and nurturing environment where our youth and community members of all ages can gather to engage in healthy activities,” said Senator DeFrancisco. “By investing in our residents, especially our youth, we will continue to strengthen our neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for all who live there. I’m proud to get this important project started.”
“I am thrilled the renovation work is getting underway and glad we are a part of it,” said McAuliffe. “This community center has a historic link to Honeywell. Our contribution illustrates our commitment to support the improvement and enhancement of recreational opportunities here in Central New York.”
The facility suffers from roof leaks, patched and cracked tile on floors and in showers, locker rooms and restrooms, along with worn or worn-out building systems and furnishings. Renovations will also include upgrading for access for the physically challenged.
“Today is an exciting day in Geddes,” added Czaplicki. “Thanks to Senator DeFrancisco and Honeywell, the community of Geddes will soon enjoy a refurbished community facility.” Czaplicki also thanked John DeSpirito, a local businessman who lives in Geddes. When DeSpirito heard of the Center’s plans, he stepped forward, volunteering to serve as the project’s construction manager at no charge, thus saving thousands of dollars in project costs.
Czaplicki also acknowledged Dave Hardy of Hardy Construction Services, O’Brien and Gere Engineers and Hueber-Breuer Construction, who contributed their services to develop a full set of work plans required to renovate the building, the locker rooms, the public bathrooms, the community meeting rooms and the kitchens, and provide proper access for the physically challenged throughout.
While the building, located on Woods Road in Solvay, is owned by the Solvay Tigers youth sports program, it’s operated by the Community Center, a non-profit organization. The Center was built in 1963. According to Czaplicki, Allied Chemical and its employees contributed greatly to its original construction with numerous donations of equipment, materials and labor.
Renovation work will be coordinated with the Center’s staff to avoid programming conflicts, Czaplicki said. It is scheduled to be finished in the spring.
During the day, the Center serves seniors who rely on the facilities to maintain their health and fitness. Impromptu basketball games are often held during the lunch period. From 3:30 to 6:00 p.m., the Center is filled with school children attending the after-school program, and evenings are all fully scheduled with youth sports activities and a Thursday night basketball league.
