Freedom Valley/Philly YMCA Merger Passes

According to a source present at Thursday evening's vote, the proposed merger between the Freedom Valley YMCA and the Philadelphia YMCA passed by a margin of 56 votes. 

The merger was announced several weeks ago and members have argued both for and against the merger ever since. 

Several members expressed concerns about the speed of the merger and about overcrowding. Members were also unhappy with the voting process, which required everyone who wanted to vote be present at a meeting on Thursday night.

Others praised the merger, saying that it could only benefit the organization. YMCA leadership also said it would save money by reducing insurance and supply costs.

The leadership of the two YMCAs held a town hall on Monday evening, November 12, at which some members were vocal about the process. 

Wednesday, an e-mail to members decried bigotry in a flyer that was left at the Phoenixville YMCA branch and sent to some members.