To the editor:

I am writing in response to Councilor Connie Preston's recent letter regarding the Newburyport Recreation and Youth Services (NRYS) building project ("Vote no on May 13," April 21, 2025, Daily News of Newburyport).

While I respect her fiscal concerns, voting no on May 13 would likely cost us more, not less, all while delaying the benefits the NYRS location will bring.

The current proposal already reflects significant compromise and careful planning. Since 2021, this project has undergone extensive review, with multiple refinements, design iterations and approvals from the City Council, Conservation Commission and Planning Board. The current plan represents years of thoughtful development, not a lack of compromise.

Saying no to this $8.3 million project will not enable us to better address the other capital needs mentioned in Councilor Preston's letter. Killing this project does not make the water and sewer upgrades, fire headquarters renovation or school improvements any easier to accomplish. Each project has its own funding mechanism and timeline. The recreation center's debt exclusion is specifically designed to fund this particular project without impacting our ability to address other infrastructure needs.

In 2024 alone, NRYS registered 6,647 participants for programs, with approximately 90% being Newburyport residents. The department also generated $774,068.35 in revenue, demonstrating both its broad utilization and financial sustainability.

Currently, user fees go toward renting temporary space; with a permanent facility, these fees can instead cover operations and maintenance. The affordable programming offered at the recreation center provides economic value to all residents that far exceeds the tax impact.

Voting no on May 13 will not produce a more affordable alternative but will likely result in higher costs due to construction inflation and continued expenses for temporary solutions. The longer we wait, the more expensive the project becomes.

The recreation center is an investment in community wellness, neighbor connections and healthy families – creating ripples of positive change throughout Newburyport. I encourage voters to consider these factors and vote yes on May 13 for a project that has been thoroughly vetted, responsibly designed, and will benefit residents of all ages for generations to come.

SCOTT YEWELL

Newburyport