The YMCA’s proposal to build a new, upscale facility at Market Square (“YMCA to anchor Market Square Place,” June 1 and PghTrib.com) raises a troubling question: When did the YMCA change from a charitable organization — with a mission to meet the needs of underserved communities — to become a growing commercial business in the adult fitness industry? As a tax-exempt organization, the YMCA receives federal, state and local tax exemptions. It also benefits from reduced postage costs, accepts tax-deductible contributions and enjoys various other nonprofit status advantages. In return for these financial advantages, the YMCA is expected to pursue a charitable mission. When the charitable mission is abandoned and the YMCA chooses to compete with tax-paying businesses, both local tax revenues and efforts devoted to truly charitable purposes diminish and the whole community loses. I strongly support the traditional definition of charity — that of giving a helping hand to those who truly need it. Tax exemption, however, is a privilege, not a right. A nonprofit organization should need to prove its tax-exempt status and that its efforts are directed to the underprivileged and not the well-to-do. If the YMCA wants to operate a health and fitness club that targets the adult fitness market in the Downtown business community, then it should pay its fair share of income and property taxes. Surely Congress never intended that tax-exemption would be used to build businesses that are virtually indistinguishable from their tax-paying competitors. Marian Vanek O’Hara The writer is owner and vice president of the Downtown Athletic Club of Pittsburgh on Bigelow Boulevard.

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