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Local Leaders Say Private Sector Should Step Up

Posted on: Saturday, 31 December 2005, 00:00 CST

By JUSTIN D. ANDERSON, DAILY MAIL STAFF

If the need is there, Kanawha County and city of Charleston leaders believe the private sector should step up if the Nautilus gym in the YWCA headquarters on Quarrier Street finds itself homeless.

And they support any decision YWCA leadership makes.

Debby Weinstein, executive director of the Charleston YWCA, has said the women's organization might need to move out of the building because the structure is deteriorating. Nautilus has been located in the building since 1997 on a 45-year agreement.

"This is, without a doubt, one of the best-run charitable groups in our community," said Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper of the YWCA. "They have a very thoughtful board, and I support them.

"If there's a need for (another fitness facility downtown), we have something called the private sector."

Harry Deitzler, an at-large Charleston City Councilman said fitness is a secondary aspect to the YWCA's real mission: Eliminating racism and empowering women.

"I assume Deb Weinstein has taken into account all variables and their budget and is moving forward with the board to ensure continuation of critically necessary services," Deitzler said.

"I am not sure that a significant number of persons utilize the downtown Y fitness center, but there are alternatives available."

There are four Nautilus facilities in and around the city. Two of them are downtown. There will be one if the Quarrier Street gym closes. A much smaller Nautilus gym is under the Charleston Area Medical Center parking garage.

The other Nautilus gyms are in Cross Lanes and Kanawha City.

The only other fitness center in the downtown area is Capitol Fitness on Capitol Street, but the gym is smaller than the Quarrier Street gym and monthly membership fees are $16 more expensive than at Nautilus.

There is also the YMCA gym east of the Capitol Complex on Hillcrest Drive East.

City Councilwoman Mary Jean Davis believes there just aren't enough people working out at the Quarrier Street gym to justify keeping it open.

"This issue to me is use," she said. "If the YWCA's Nautilus program is not being used by the public or members, then the cost for providing such service is too great."

Council President Tom Lane said he has no argument with the YWCA considering shedding the Nautilus program.

"In my opinion, there are plenty of private facilities meeting the need for exercise facilities," he said. "Not the least of which is the YMCA, which is close enough for all to use."

Contact writer Justin D. Anderson at justin@dailymail.com or 348- 4843.

Source: Charleston Daily Mail

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