I have written letters in the past about the YMCA camp at Mineral, my wife and I are in favor of this youth camp. We have seen the “NO ‘Y’ CAMP REZONE” signs. Some are on private property; others on county easements and railroad property.
The tally of “no Y” signs is about 14. There are more Mineral residents in favor of the camp. The “Y” is the boost that Mineral needs. For 50 years, Mineral has steadily regressed. The school closed, businesses closed and the population declined.
The “Y” brings opportunity to both the young people that it mentors and the town itself. The YMCA is an organization that is 178 years old, not a new startup business. They provide a solid agenda for the kids, such as environmental training, leadership and teamwork. I can’t understand why anybody would disagree with that.
I noticed Sheriff Rob Snaza mentioned that he has a staffing shortage and the local fire department is not presently staffed for the “Y” program. The “Y” is asking for a “rezone,” with no major construction within the next five years. This allows the sheriff’s department and the fire department a five-year window to work with the “Y” on how to make this plan work. Mineral is in the northeast portion of Lewis County, we need all the help we can get to survive. The “Y” project brings that hope. This is not only a Mineral plus, but a Lewis County sign of planning for the future.
I hope the commissioners can work with the “Y” on how to make the project work. Let’s take it on incrementally, rather than a blatant “no.”
In closing, I understand that one of the issues is “the roads” can’t handle the traffic.” Well, the 400 kids are between the ages of 8 and 12, so they don’t drive. I have photos of the Mineral School in 1928. There were over 100 kids in the school and there were no traffic issues then. Too much of the NIMBY mentality is being expressed at this time.
Let’s work with the YMCA. This is the best opportunity we have seen in 50 years. Don’t blow it.
Gary Johnson
Mineral
