JCC Sells One Of Their Properties For $3.65 Million

The Jewish Community Center of the North Shore announced Friday afternoon the sale of its Middleton campground. The sale, to developer LAR Properties, was for $3.65 million.

"We're thrilled to move forward and invest this capital in new strategies to make the JCC a sustainable, exciting place for people across the North Shore," said JCC Board President Lisa Nagel. "We want to be here for another 100 years, at least."

Earlier this summer, the JCC announced it would stay open after months of speculation the center would close.

The JCC has been plagued by declining membership, as many member families moved to Marblehead's new YMCA. 

The JCC's  reprieve came from a group of board members, past presidents and concerned families who raised money. The amount raised was not made public, but then-acting JCC Board President Stephen Hamelburg said at the time, it was enough to keep things running while leaders implement changes to make it stronger and sustainable.

Part of this is the unloading of the Middleton property Friday.

The Middleton site had been home to the JCC's Camp Simchah for more than 50 years. This summer, the Center launched Simchah on the Hill at its main campus off Atlantic Avenue.

"Simchah on the Hill has proven to be a wonderful camping experience, as we had hoped," said JCC Interim Director Julie Newburg. "We delivered a diverse array of options for families to choose from and campers had an exceptional summer. Our camp committee is already planning for Summer 2011."

A special Task Force and several committees run by the JCC's Board of Directors are meeting regularly to develop a new business and strategic plan to move the JCC forward. They are also working with a national consultant who has revitalized many Jewish Community Centers around the country.

The JCC will kick-off its Centennial Celebration on Oct. 3 with a party for the entire community.