Nearly a done deal: Family services program finds new home in Auburn

ACAP Child and Family Services might have secured a new home. The Board of the First United Methodist Church in Auburn tentatively approved the relocation of the ACAP center to a lot adjacent to its church, located at 100 N St. SE. The move is pending the confirmation of a lease, which currently is being negotiated, according to Greg Wood, ACAP board president.

ACAP Child and Family Services might have secured a new home.

The Board of the First United Methodist Church in Auburn tentatively approved the relocation of the ACAP center to a lot adjacent to its church, located at 100 N St. SE.

The move is pending the confirmation of a lease, which currently is being negotiated, according to Greg Wood, ACAP board president.

“This is a major step for ACAP, and the board, staff and parents are grateful to the church for its commitment and willingness to help,” Wood said in a statement.

“We also are very grateful to the City of Auburn, Mayor (Pete) Lewis and the City Council for the support that we have received over the years and for their ongoing commitment to assist us during our transition.”

ACAP’s 29-year-old tenure in Les Gove Park comes to an end. The city needs the land ACAP occupies west of the old YMCA building to provide room for its community center project.

The city has proposed to build a 20,240-square-foot community center, just north of the current YMCA building. The old building will be razed.

Actual construction on the community center begins in 2009. It will open in 2010.

ACAP, comprised of three portable buildings, leases the property from the city for $1 a month. It has occupied the site for 29 of its 38 years.

Now, it appears ACAP has a new place to grow.

“ACAP still has many challenges ahead, including site development, securing an interim location to operate, and the movement of our current structures to the new location,” Wood wrote.

“All of this will take plenty of hard work and a dynamic capital campaign.

“We are fortunate, however, to be a part of the Auburn community, where we have received tremendous community support over the years.”