After decades of planning and millions of dollars collected for the project, construction of the Santee Community Center is on track to begin in January following the City Council’s decision to use general fund money to cover a shortfall.
According to a staff presentation at the council’s April 9 meeting, the cost of the project has increased by $2.5 million and now is projected at $23.5 million.
Funding includes a $4.5 million state grant and money from the general fund and American Rescue Plan. The city also has collected $14 million in development impact fees, but has a shortfall of $3.3 million.
Council unanimously agreed to use $3.3 million from the general fund, which staff said could be paid back in three years through future development impact fees.
The City Council in 2021 awarded a construction contract to HMC Architects, which has completed designs that are under review in the city’s Building Department. A final mitigated negative declaration and technical studies should be complete by the end of the month, according to a staff presentation.
The center will be behind the Cameron Family YMCA at 10123 Riverwalk Drive. The 12,500-square-foot, two-story building will be on a little less than 4 acres with event space on the first floor that could hold more than 400 people and space upstairs that could seat 150 with a deck.
“It will be big enough to do our Santee Awards ceremony,” Councilmember Rob McNelis said, referring to an event usually held at Sycuan Casino Resort. “How great will that be?”
A three-month environmental review and public comment period will end in July, construction bids will go out in August, with a contract awarded in November under the city’s projected schedule.
Construction will begin with the YMCA parking lot in January, and building construction will begin in May 2026 and is expected to last 16 months. If on time, the building will open to the public in October 2027.
