If Blinn College and the Houston YMCA decide to build and operate a student recreation center, what is built and where it is located will be reviewed by the city of Bryan.
The possible location at the northeast corner of Blinn’s campus near Villa Maria and Nash was discussed at the last city council meeting.
Public Works Director Jayson Barfknecht says before the city signs off on site plans, developers would submit reports on how the center would affect traffic and parking.
The topic was raised by councilman Mike Southerland, who was concerned about the added traffic the center would generate.
According to an e-mail given to the Bryan council, possible funding could come from a student fee of $50 dollars a semester. That would generate a revenue stream of more than $1 million dollars a year. The Blinn center, which could open in 2018, would include a natatorium, at least one gym, and rooms dedicated to specific purposes such as yoga and fitness equipment.
In College Station, discussion involves a private developer donating land between Baylor-Scott & White hospital and Lowe’s and paying for an extension of Bird Pond Road. The Y would operate above retail space in a multi-story building. The e-mail given to the Bryan council does not indicate when the College Station location would open. The developer’s construction partner would build a natatorium with a competition pool and spectator area, a diving area, a heated therapy pool, and a family swim area.