MIDDLETOWN – The state has given its blessing to the City of Middletown’s
plans to spend $10 million in economic development funds awarded by the
state for downtown revitalization.
Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, who came to Middletown on Thursday to announce
the state’s approval of the locally crafted plan, said the city
hit the jackpot with the grant.
“This is your opportunity to redefine your future. You have incredible
natural resources, the mountains, the river is so gorgeous. This region
is really on fire,” she told a gathering of local officials at the
Paramount Theater. “As more people are leaving the concentrated
areas of New York City and finding their way up here, your housing stock
is coming back, but you have to have an alive downtown and the plan you
have put forward will accomplish just that.”
Mayor Joseph DeStefano, who received kudos from Hochul for being a visionary,
said the city will move forward immediately on redeveloping the Woodworth
building into the Rail Trail Commons.
“The Woolworth project bids are ready to be awarded,” he said.
The common council president may call a special meeting to award the work
so it can begin immediately.
Other projects in the downtown revitalization plan include a storefront
façade program, streetscape projects, the Erieway Park with a pavilion
and public art space, a branding campaign, and parking improvements.
