On Monday, a special meeting was held at the former Tyrone-Snyder Public Library, the new building of the Tyrone Community Players, to discuss an announcement by the Tyrone Area YMCA’s Board of Directors that effective immediately the Players would no longer be permitted to perform in the historic theater housed in the Y.
According to information provided by TCP, the Bureau of Labor and Industry deemed, after a safety inspection in March, that the pervasive deterioration of the YMCA building made it unsafe for public functions.
Since then, the Tyrone Area YMCA Board of Directors has released a statement. The following information was obtained by The Daily Herald in the form of a press release from the Tyrone Area YMCA Board of Directors.
“The State Department of Labor and Industry did an inspection of the 91-year-old YMCA building in March. The YMCA has always maintained a high safety standard and has never had a safety violation. Even with our strong safety record, the Department of Labor and Industry was not able to grandfather our facility from current codes and regulations. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted by the YMCA Board to determine the cost of bringing the building up to code. It was estimated that this cost would approach one million dollars.
“Once the YMCA Board decided that this was not economically feasible, and in light of safety concerns by the Board of Department of Labor and Industry, it was determined necessary to close sections of the YMCA’s Logan Avenue building. The Y Board is saddened by the fact that we have to close all the floors above the lobby level. This includes the theatre, which has been a vital part of our community. Plans are underway to bring the first floor and gymnasium areas up to code. Those areas remain safe and open. More information on these plans will be forthcoming shortly.
“The Tyrone Area YMCA has always tried to help groups and people of the community. Once the Tyrone Community Players was reorganized and began using the theatre again, the space was not used for any other purpose.
“Other programs that were in existence were relocated. The Y and TCP worked together to adjust Y programming in order for the community to enjoy outstanding theatre performances by the TCP. When the Board determined that it was necessary to close the theatre, members of the Board approached the Tyrone Area School District about the possibility of TCP doing their plays in the high school auditorium until another location was found.
“The Emmanuel Baptist Church has also been using the YMCA as a location for their church services. We have developed a great working relationship with Pastor Chris Walls and his congregation. The church will hold its services in the gymnasium.
“The YMCA has always had dormitory rooms on the third floor for those in need. We will try to assist the couple of tenants who have to relocate.
“In spite of the negative aspects of this situation, the Board of Directors is confident that the future is bright and asks for the continued support that so many have given for so many years. There are challenges ahead, but the YMCA is striving to move forward in continuing to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.”
As for TCP, members told The Daily Herald the group will perform regardless of the recent announcement. However, the group must find another venue before the next scheduled show in December, and the former library building is not an option due to space constraints for seating.
“The Tyrone Community Players are deeply saddened by this turn of events,” said TCP President, Sharon Dannaway, in a former press release provided by the group. “We have tried very hard, at or own expense, to help the beautiful theater that we called home regain some of her integrity. This is a huge loss, not only for TCP, but our community.”
