New York state Sen. James Skoufis announced a $2.5 million state grant on July 12 to build a new parking garage in downtown Middletown.
The money will fund the first phase of construction, adding 90 new parking spots just across from the historic Paramount Theatre on Washington Street.
“It is probably fair to say that a project like this would be extremely difficult to happen and see materialize without this kind of state assistance,” Mr. Skoufis said at the press conference. “So, I was happy to play a role in delivering this funding.”
He added that state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins also played a key part.
The grant was secured under the State and Municipal Facilities Program, which is part of the state budget and affords legislators wide discretion in awarding local projects.
The Dormitory Authority State of New York administers the program through bond financing.
Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano said that the city had wanted to build a parking garage for years and attempted several grant applications but with no success.
“When I met with the senator, he asked what was one of our primary needs,“ Mr. DeStefano said. ”After visiting downtown Middletown, he basically said to me, ‘I think you needed parking.’ And I said, ‘I think you are right, but I also think we need money.’ He said, ‘That I can help.’”
Following last year’s redistricting, the City of Middletown, and most of Orange County, became part of the 42nd Senate District now represented by Mr. Skoufis.
Bids for the first phase of construction are expected to go out in early 2024, and construction is expected to start next spring.
Venues and businesses that would benefit from the development include Paramount Theatre, Equilibrium, Da Tang Supermarket, Olivia’s Empanadas, and DeFilippis Bakery.
“This project is going to be very, very important, not only for today but the future of downtown Middletown growth,” Mr. DeStefano said.
The former Classy Leader building just behind Paramount will soon be redeveloped, and the former federal court building on South Street has been proposed as the future site of city courts, he said.
The second phase of construction, which will build additional levels on top of the phase-one structure, is expected to create about 250 parking spaces at a price of $6 million, according to Mr. DeStefano.
Middletown surpassed Newburgh to be the largest city in Orange County in the last decennial U.S. Census, with a reported population of 30,345.
In 2016, the city was among the inaugural recipients of a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative state grant, which spurred a substantial facelift and infrastructure work in the central business district, laying the foundation for private investments to pour in.
Last year, new businesses ranging from mom-and-pop storefronts to larger corporations such as Gan Jing World and Poly Craft Industries decided to put down roots in Middletown.
“Ever since our Downtown Revitalization Initiative award in 2016, our downtown has been having a renaissance. We have more people living, working, and visiting our downtown than ever,” Mr. DeStefano said. “This generous grant from Senator Skoufis will allow us to quickly address [the parking needs].”
