Middletown Mayor DeStefano Touts Sweeping Urban Progress at Annual Address

Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano delivers the State of City address in Middletown, N.Y., on March 5, 2024. Cara Ding/The Epoch Times

Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano highlighted wide-ranging urban advancements in the past year across business attractions, infrastructure, recreation, housing, and senior services at the annual State of the City address on March 18.

“Despite the challenges we have faced, we have made significant strides in improving the lives of all those who call this city home,” he said in the packed council chamber at City Hall.

DeStefano attributed the progress to city leadership and department heads; lawmaker partners at the federal, state, and county levels; and a growing immigrant community.

“Middletown has been shaped by generations of immigrants whose hard work, culture, and determination built the foundation of our city, from the earliest settlers to the waves of newcomers,” he said.

“I reaffirm a simple yet powerful truth: Our city is stronger, more vibrant, and more prosperous because of our immigrant communities.”

In the past year, the downtown revival momentum continued as more vacant storefronts were filled with new businesses, many by minority owners. Meanwhile, renovations of the abandoned former federal courthouse have begun with the blessing of a $3 million state grant.

According to DeStefano, the city has attracted more than $46 million in private investments over the past decade, with a $10 million downtown revitalization grant as a stimulus.

The mayor highlighted the downtown’s historic Paramount Theatre, which he said has bounced back from pandemic lows and saw nearly 20,000 concert patrons and 5,000 moviegoers last year.

“It is a cultural gem and a powerful economic driver that supports local businesses and enhances our vibrant art scene,” he said.

“We remain committed to ensuring our downtown thrives as a center of activity, opportunity, and pride for our community.”

Beyond downtown, he highlighted a new plant by Poly Craft Industries, a major printing company from Long Island, and the continued redevelopment of Middletown Community Campus, home to several educational institutions, including Fei Tian College.

“One of the key pillars of our administration has been investing in recruitment of higher education programs and making our city a destination for higher learning,” he said.

Meanwhile, the city has completed adding or upgrading 14 miles of sidewalks and is on track to finish the major project this year, with more than 90 percent of the costs covered by grants.

“We put sidewalks where we have never had them before,” DeStefano said, pointing to those along the busy Dolson Avenue shopping corridor and nearby neighborhoods.

“These sidewalks not only improve pedestrian safety by separating walkers from traffic, but they also promote a more active lifestyle and reduce carbon footprint.”

Water and First-Responder Services

Another key infrastructure investment, though not as visible as sidewalks, is the public water system. In the past years, the city has leveraged millions of grants to replace raw water lines, maintain water tanks and dams, and preserve land across its expansive watershed in surrounding towns.

“These investments are the types that an average person does not see, yet they are also the most expensive,” DeStefano said, adding that the city has been looking for creative ways to expand its water wholesale business to alleviate taxpayer burdens in upkeeping the system.

Middletown currently sells water to residents and businesses in the nearby towns of Wawayanda and Wallkill, and it looks to expand its clientele to include Goshen and the Orange County government.

It has also just secured funding to explore new water resources at the county-owned Indigot Reservoir property.

“Water is one of our city’s most essential resources,” DeStefano said, “From providing drinking water to homes and businesses to supporting public health, fire protection, and economic growth, ensuring reliable, clean, safe water and water service is a top priority.”

DeStefano also highlighted continued and expanded investments in police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS). Last year, the city managed to take on a new three-year contract—the first-year cost valued at more than $700,000—with Empress Ambulance for two dedicated vehicles.

“Without greater intervention from the state and county governments, the EMS crisis will continue to worsen,” DeStefano said while reaffirming the city’s commitments.

Parks, Housing, Seniors

The city’s recreational assets—which include 19 parks spanning more than 1,500 acres—will soon see a boost with improvements planned at Thrall Park and a new splash pad at Maple Hill Park.

“For a small city of 30,000 people, we are investing $3 million of your taxpayer dollars annually in recreation and park programs because we know they create a stronger, healthier, and more connected community,” the mayor said.

In addition, Orange County is set to expand the Heritage Trail on the abandoned railroad bed along the east side of Mohagen Avenue this year, further adding to the city’s recreational offerings.

When it comes to housing, the city is on track to complete renovating the 17th house through its homebuyer program, which offers price incentives to purchasers in exchange for long-term ownership. All 15 houses sold under the program are currently occupied by the original owners, according to DeStefano.

For senior services, the city’s Mulberry Senior Center saw program participation increase by 400 headcounts last year to 3,900. A new bus will also soon be added to its service fleet.

“Beyond services, they create a sense of community, allowing our older residents to build friendships, share experiences, and continue contributing their wisdom and talents,” DeStefano said. “We will continue working to enhance and expand programs that support their needs.”

Reelection Bid

Toward the end of his speech, DeStefano highlighted that the renovation of the long-vacated Ontario and Western (O&W) train station on Wickham Avenue had recently begun.

“No project better represents both the challenges of our past and the promise of our future,” the mayor said, alluding to the decline of the former railroad city and late urban renaissance.

“I believe that when our residents look at our city today, compared to 2010 when I came back to the office, things have improved significantly.

“Our investment in infrastructure, affordable housing, and sustainable growth is setting the stage for a brighter future. While we have accomplished much, I believe the best is yet to come.”

He said he is running for another four-year term this fall.

DeStefano, along with his running mate, J. Miguel Rodrigues, the incumbent city council president running for reelection, is endorsed by the Middletown Democratic Committee.

Joel Sierra, a county legislator and former firefighter, is challenging DeStefano in the Democrat primary this June.