MIDDLETOWN – Expansion of the former federal courthouse in Middletown into a new city court facility will become a reality now that State Senator James Skoufis (D, Cornwall) secured $3 million for the project.
The building at 25 South Street, which was closed in 2015, was purchased by the city with funding from Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D, Forestburgh), but before it could be converted for city use, the State Office of Court Administration insisted that the city pay for construction of a second courtroom.
Since the city is now a regional court, officials refused to foot the entire bill to expand the facility.
But, now with the Skoufis funding along with a like amount from the state, the work can proceed.
“The city is in the midst of a true revival and deserves to have a safe, convenient, functional space to conduct judicial proceedings. This is no small undertaking, but the rehabilitation of this courthouse is a long-term investment that will benefit not only the residents of Middletown but all of Orange County,” said Skoufis on Thursday.
“This project has been years in the making, with several frustrating bumps along the way,” Mayor Joseph DeStefano said. “We are thankful to Assemblywoman Gunther for granting us funds to initially buy the building, and incredibly grateful to Senator Skoufis for providing the necessary funding to get the project off and running.”
“I am very pleased to be able to celebrate this historic investment in the renovation of Middletown’s city courthouse,” added Gunther. “The $3 million State Senate grant secured by Senator Skoufis, along with the $2.7 million secured by me in 2016, represent the great work that can be accomplished when our tax dollars are brought back home.”
At present, city court is held in the current courtroom adjacent to city hall with the common council chambers used during the day as a second courtroom.
