Benjamin Barnes YMCA CEO Jeff Knox Speaks On Possible Relocation

Tuesday evening the Tuscaloosa City Council met to discuss the possible relocation of the Benjamin Barnes YMCA. CEO Jeff Knox gave his thoughts on the possible move and meeting.

During the meeting, former Tuscaloosa City Council President Harrison Taylor gave his thoughts on the idea of moving the Benjamin Barnes YMCA.

"Give me one advantage of going to the Hughes Center," Taylor said. "I can't think of one.

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Taylor continued his sentiments, "Are we going to build two gymnasiums on one piece of property and the main Y(MCA) don't have any gymnasium?"

Jeff Knox, CEO of the Benjamin Barnes YMCA spoke to the Tuscaloosa Thread on the ultimate goal they have working with the City of Tuscaloosa. "The goal of the YMCA in working with the city is to come up with a first-class facility that meets the needs of the youth and families in West Tuscaloosa."

When asked his thoughts on the recent City Council meeting concerning the possible relocation of the Benjamin Barnes YMCA, Knox said it was a "really good thorough discussion of the pros and cons of a potential site for a new Benjamin Barnes location."

A volunteer coach for the Benjamin Barnes YMCA spoke in the meeting and said "Based on committee meeting views that I saw, the location that you're choosing now and the YMCA, that whole block where it's located now, if you just buy the church, and the library and the house on the corner, you'll have the same about of footage."

Former Tuscaloosa City Council President Harrison Taylor spoke for a second time at the meeting saying, "I hope we can have a good strong discussion on it and we can come to some kind of agreement."