KINGSTSON – Three Mid-Hudson Valley Community Centers will be getting a much-needed face-lift thanks to a grant made possible by Governor Hochul’s BRICKS grant program.
State and local leaders gathered at the newly re-named Albert Brown Community Center in Kingston on Thursday to make the announcement.
The Albert Brown Center will receive $3 million from the BRICKS program, which stands for Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors.
Marbletown’s community center will receive nearly $1.5 million.
Red Hook’s center will receive $350 thousand.
President & CEO of the Dormitory Authority of New York, Robert Rodriguez, says the program is part of the Governor ‘s “Unplug and Play” initiative that invests in recreational infrastructure in an effort to encourage children and families to step away from their devices and connect with each other.
“Across New York State, we know that community centers have been doing a lot of the heavy lifting–sometimes providing affordable programming, safe gathering spaces and essential services,” says Rodriguez. “Some double as food pantries and youth facilities. We know that they’re important, not just by providing for physical well-being but also the mental well-being of their residents. The BRICKS program is designed to help make sure that those spaces continue to serve their communities for years to come.”
Rodriguez says most of the funding will be used to make these three centers accessible for people with disabilities and for upgrades to outdated kitchens and bathrooms.
Marbletown supervisor Rich Parete says the town’s grant will be used to structurally renovate its center’s 5-thousand square foot building that dates back to the 1800’s.
The center closed last year due to safety issues.
For a small town like Marbletown, this is life-changing,” said Parate. “It’s really going to help our community for the next generation or two.”
“You shouldn’t have to worry if your kids will have equal access and opportunity to programs,” said State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D, WF-41). “You shouldn’t have to worry about moving out of your community if you’re a senior just to have continuing programs for yourself. It shouldn’t matter where you live, but it can often be out of reach in areas like ours because investments in these older buildings are really expensive.”
The three Mid-Hudson Valley recipients were chosen from over 240 grant applicants.
The BRICKS Program, which was announced by the Governor last year, is allocating $100 million to over thirty community centers throughout the state.
Officials say applications will be accepted for another round of grants in the near future.
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