COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (KMTV) - The YMCA of Greater Omaha is doing their best to extend an olive branch by releasing the drawings of their new park.
"We thought in releasing these renderings, it might generate some excitement and adoption of what we're trying to do," Chief Advancement Officer John Monson said.
The project includes a court for basketball and pickleball, a walking trail, a pavilion, and more.
RELATED: Council Bluffs residents take legal action in the fight to keep Baughn Street open
The YMCA said the Campus Park project is expected to be used by youth sports, summer day camp outings, among other groups.
But residents are not backing down from their fight to keep Baughn Street open. Tony Beraldi, a pharmacist in town, has been leading the effort.
"They did everything legal, well supposedly legal. We're looking at that," Beraldi said. "Did they do things ethically? I don't think they did. The YMCA has four core values. Caring is one of them, respect is another one. They are not a big box store, they are the Young Man's Christian Association."
Beraldi felt blindsided by the YMCA's effort to vacate Baughn Street.
"They didn't even talk to us, they've been planning this for two years. They could have called me two years ago. I would have met with them any minute of any day, to be honest. I would have been glad to meet with them, any of my neighbors would have," Beraldi said.
Monson is empathetic to any opposing views but he stands firm in his position.
"Something I wish we could remedy through the process is get together more in person. We all know why we couldn't do that, and I think we did the best we could to make sure voices were heard and to be quite honest, still letting voices be heard," Monson said.
It’s slated to open in the fall of 2021. There is also a city council meeting where several neighbors plan on speaking about the issue. Here's alinkto watch.
