Assembly votes to close Joy Community Center, administration directed to develop disposal plan

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly narrowly approved reductions tied to the Joy Community Center and later directed the administration to prepare a disposal plan after weeks of debate over the building’s use.

Assemblymember Debra Haney moved an amendment (Y6) to reduce operating lines associated with Joy and effectively close the facility; after extensive public comment and discussion the measure passed 5-4. The Assembly later considered but rejected attempts to add an immediate sunset and instead approved intent language asking the administration to develop and return with a disposal plan within a year.

Why it matters: Joy Community Center has become a hub for local sports, adaptive programs, arts and community rentals. The school district and community groups raised concerns about loss of gym space, equipment storage and disruption to programs such as the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival and Special Olympics activities. Administration witnesses and Mayor Bryce Hopkins said a measured, market‑based divestiture (leasing or sale via RFP) would take several months and warned that closing the building immediately would disrupt scheduled summer events and risk vandalism.

Administration response and next steps: The mayor said the administration will begin an RFP process and try to move the property off borough books within a 4–6 month window but cautioned that any sale or transfer could take longer; staff also said that utility savings from closure would be modest in the short term. The Assembly passed an additional amendment asking the administration to present a formal disposal plan to the Assembly within one calendar year.

Public and board perspectives: Speakers from organized sports, adaptive recreation and arts organizations described the facility as actively used and said relocation would be disruptive; the school district said it rents gym space but cannot necessarily absorb all groups quickly. Some Assembly members argued the borough should reduce its square footage and transfer responsibility to other community entities as part of a broader facilities strategy.

Ending: The Assembly’s actions reduce Joy Community Center’s funding in the FY2025 budget and require the administration to return with a disposal plan; staff indicated they will try to keep the community’s programs running during a transition and pursue bids or offers to transfer the property.