Dear Charlottesville Community,
Many of you have seen the editorial in the Daily Progress that stated my feelings about the shameless blocking of the YMCA facility. I have met with the owner of ACAC, Phil Wendel, who is the money and leader behind this. I appealed to him to think about the greater Charlottesville community and the many families who do not have access to the high class facilities that he owns. I suggested he could leave a legacy to this town, instead of the bad public relations that this is causing, especially among the many members of his club such as me. I thought ACAC was about "We Change Lives", but apparently only for those who can afford it.
There has been no action to date to look for a win-win. The basis of the lawsuit as I understand it from talking to Mr. Wendel, is that he should not have to compete with a business that gets land for free from the city. There is obviously a need and he must be a part of that solution. He could immediately be a hero for this community. However, it is 2 months after the construction was supposed to start, and it is being delayed for what I believe is nothing but greed and ego. Afterall, Mr. Wendel is a prominent member of the International Health, Raquet and Sports Club Association who's mission seems to be to destroy or oppose Y's or other non-profit health club facilities.
Join me now with your words of support, especially ACAC members! Tell Phil Wendel and the ACAC and Legacy Management group teams that we love their facilities and organization, but we love Charlottesville even better and will not stand by and allow this to happen in our town.
