YWCA Director Amy Bennett addresses Grabd Island’s City Council Feb. 11 concerning getting a $500,000 LB840 grant to expand its child development center.
GRAND ISLAND – Grand Island’s City Council approved a $500,000 grant from the Economic Development Program (LB840) to expand its Child Development Center.
The City Council voted 8-0 to approve the grant. Council members Mike Paulick and Mark Stelk were absent from the Feb. 11 meeting.
The YWCA has purchased the former Starr Elementary School building at 315 Wyandotte for $500,000.
The YWCA will relocate its existing offices and programs to the new location, doubling the number of early childhood education classrooms and increasing the capacity of its existing Child Development Center from 130 children to 275 to 300 children. The YWCA will also increase its staff size from 32 employees to 52 employees.
The total cost of the purchase, renovation, and relocation of the YWCA’s facilities is $6.5 million, according to Grand Island Area Economic Development Coordinator Mary Berlie. Grant funds could be used to reimburse the YWCA for the purchase price, or could be allocated toward the future renovation costs that are projected at $5.5 million. Additional renovation items are furnishings at $250,000 and playground construction/installation at $250,000.
The YWCA has launched a fund drive and plans to raise money from grants and donations from businesses and individuals. Renovations will begin in the spring of 2025, and the YWCA plans to open the new center in the spring of 2026.
Berlie told the City Council that having child care “is a workforce issue.”
YWCA Director Amy Bennett told the City Council that the $500,000 grant is a starting point for the YWCA in its fund drive and will help leverage donations and grants.
Council Member Doug Lanfear said, “I was really glad to see this project.”
In other action Feb. 11, the City Council voted 8-0 to approve an LB840 grant to The Brookshire Company for $40,000 to produce a video in an episode of a series called ‘My Town” featuring the attractions of the Grand Island area and businesses. Economic Development Coordinator Mary Berlie recommended that the City Council approve the grant application.
In its consent agenda, the City Council approved a Micro-TIF application from Chad Olson of Olson Furniture Outlet to construct a warehouse and a laundromat at 716 and 718 St. Paul Road. The buildings were destroyed in a fire after a vehicle crashed into one of the buildings in October 2024.
The proposed valuation at completion for the project is expected to increase from $26,136 to $950,000. The Community Redevelopment Authority will issue a bond to the developer of up to $235,800.
Also in its consent agenda, the City Council approved a proposal from Creative Sites of Omaha to install ADA accessible playground equipment and rubber safety surfacing at George Park for $150,000. KENO funds will be used for the project.