Watertown Family YMCA Center

Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency

Over a 3 year period, two child care needs assessments commissioned by a social service agency and two major employers, were completed. Both concluded there was a great need for more childcare spaces, as well as higher quality childcare, off hour childcare and ”sick child” care. In 2009, the Watertown Family YMCA, found a suitable building and proposed opening a licensed full day care facility. The facility will have the capacity for 100 children. The Child Care Center will offer care in Year 1 during regular working hours and move to second shift by Year 2.

Project Need(s)
The Watertown YMCA made an offer for a facility that had sufficient space to accommodate 80-100 children and was situated within the target companies who would be supportive of the project. The facility had ample space for the required outdoor play area, but the interior required extensive work. Funding assistance was needed for a total project that would cost $1.1 million to complete.

Project Solution
Due to the importance of the project to the community at large as well as to area employees and their employers, the Watertown Local Development Corporation, the Development Authority of the North Country and the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency provided low interest financing to supplement the YMCA”s financial participation. Plans call for the project to be completed in the Fall of 2010.