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,” Hochul told a gathering of local officials at the Paramount Theater. “This region is really on fire. 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.
Rendering of Rail Trail Commons
“The Woolworth project bids are ready to be awarded,” DeStefano 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.
