The Martinsville City Council has approved a 90-day extension on its option to purchase the current YMCA property on Starling Avenue, giving the city more time to consider acquiring the five-acre site as the organization prepares to relocate.
The extension, approved during the June 10 council meeting, cost the city an additional $500. The property, formally listed as the Family YMCA Incorporated of Martinsville & Henry County, is located at 3 Starling Ave. in the city’s historic Uptown District. It is listed for $925,000.
The YMCA is in the process of building a new facility on the west end of Martinsville, with construction expected to be completed in 2027. Once the move is complete, the current building will be vacated. The city’s option allows exclusive negotiation rights during the extension period, and officials say the property’s location presents an opportunity for future economic development.
The Virginia Museum of Natural History and other potential buyers have expressed interest in the site. According to city documents, Martinsville officials are seeking to determine “the most advantageous use for this facility” before making a final decision on a purchase.
The original 90-day option agreement cost the city $1,000 and can be extended one more time.
Also, during the meeting, the council reviewed an overview of the city’s Compensation Study. One key finding was that Martinsville lags behind peer localities in employee health benefits. The study is part of a broader effort to improve employee retention.
Appointments were made to several boards and commissions, including a reappointment to the Blue Ridge Regional Library Board and a new member added to the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. Names for school board appointments will be presented at the June 24 meeting.
City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides, who returned from personal leave on June 10, attended the work session earlier that day but left abruptly a few minutes into the regular meeting. No reason was given for her departure.
The council also:
*Recognized Juneteenth as a national holiday, with a commemorative plaque presented to the Fayette Area Historical Initiative African American Museum and Cultural Center (FAHI).
*Proclaimed June as National Safety Month, with police and fire department representatives in attendance.
*Recognized Flag Day, with a plaque presented to LaNita Herlem.
*Briefly discussed the city’s refuse ordinance during the work session.
