Ballantyne residents rally to save Morrison Family YMCA ahead of planned $42.5M sale

BALLANTYNE, N.C. (WBTV) - Residents in south Charlotte are continuing their fight to save the Morrison Family YMCA, taking their concerns directly to local government leaders during a town hall meeting.

Supporters and employees have spent months pushing back against the YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s decision to sell the 22-acre Ballantyne property for $42.5 million.

The site is being purchased by a local church, Moments of Hope, seeking more room as its congregation expands beyond its existing facilities. Under the YMCA’s current timeline, the Ballantyne branch is scheduled to close its doors in the summer of 2027.

Related --> Morrison YMCA branch in south Charlotte set to close after being sold for $42.5M

Community members describe the planned loss as devastating, noting the facility provides far more than fitness amenities.

“The biggest thing we’re going to lose is not a place to lift weights, or run, or play basketball, or take group classes,” said Coach Henry Santos of the Save the Morrison Y Coalition. “It’s the 50-odd programs and services that really are a part of creating a community hub.”

Coalition member Joseph Navarro echoed those sentiments, questioning the prioritization of regional facility updates over an established south Charlotte gathering place.

“Totally in support of updating other YMCAs, especially those that have got a lot of deferred maintenance,” Navarro said. “Is it really at the cost of destroying a community that serves all of this big portion of South Charlotte?”

Read --> YMCA board responds to community backlash over sale, closure

Members also highlighted the facility’s role as an inclusive environment for area residents, calling it a rare neutral ground where minority families feel fully seen and welcomed.

Beyond the loss of programming, the upcoming closure threatens local jobs. Becky Roller, who has worked at the Morrison Y for 23 years, warned the transaction will eliminate livelihoods across the facility.

“If this unfortunate sale goes through, I will lose my job along with hundreds of others,” Roller said.

The YMCA of Greater Charlotte maintains that declining post-pandemic membership prompted the decision, stating that revenue generated from the $42.5 million sale will fund reinvestment into staff and resources across the wider Charlotte region.

YMCA leadership noted they are collaborating with long-time Morrison staff and volunteers to explore options for continuing community services in the area going forward.

Also read --> Moments of Hope Church lead pastor speaks out after purchase of Morrison YMCA