Staff Report / May 9, 2026
A public meeting is being planned in Penn Yan to discuss the potential creation of a community warming and cooling center aimed at assisting residents during periods of extreme weather. The meeting will take place Monday May 11, 3 to 4 p.m. at 142 Main Street in Penn Yan.
According to reports, the proposal is tied to ongoing efforts by local organizations and village officials to establish a permanent location where community members can seek shelter during dangerously cold winter conditions or extreme summer heat.
The discussion follows recent emergency efforts by Keuka Advocacy Services, which temporarily opened its offices as a warming center during severe winter temperatures earlier this year. Officials said several individuals stayed overnight while others used the facility during the day, highlighting the need for a more permanent solution in the Penn Yan area.
Village officials previously voiced support for the concept during a Village Board meeting, authorizing Mayor Danny Condella to sign a letter supporting grant funding efforts connected to the project. Representatives from Keuka Advocacy Services told the board the goal is to create a reliable location that could operate during weather emergencies year-round.
Organizers say the upcoming meeting will give residents an opportunity to learn more about the proposal, ask questions, and discuss how a warming and cooling center could serve vulnerable populations in the community during extreme temperatures. Further details about the meeting are expected to be released publicly.
