For Maria Bruni, Director of Economic & Community Development for the City of Middletown, what makes the city worth celebrating is its people and their willingness to work together.
“Well, just like the mayor was saying, you know, it’s a community that sticks together,” Bruni said. “We have a great, diverse community, and I think the residents, business owners, they are proud of Middletown—the City of Middletown—being here, working here, living here, going to school here.”
Bruni has been part of Middletown’s municipal and economic development work since 1994 and is a lifelong Hudson Valley resident who continues to live in the city.
A downtown coming back
Bruni has witnessed major changes in Middletown’s business community, particularly the return of activity to downtown. She recalled that Middletown had a vibrant downtown before the 1970s, followed by a decline as shopping malls developed outside the city.
Today, she sees a renewed desire to support locally owned businesses.
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“Everybody who’s coming back is looking to support local,” she said. “We say support local, enjoy local.” She added that local businesses are “working hard” to provide for residents, visitors and people coming into the city to enjoy what Middletown has to offer.
The city’s downtown revitalization developed over many years. Bruni pointed to the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) and community events as early steps in changing perceptions and bringing people downtown. The BID dates to the early 1990s and promotes activity in the central business district.
Those efforts later helped build momentum for Middletown’s successful application to New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The city was selected in 2016 for $10 million in state funding to support downtown revitalization and leverage additional public and private investment.
“Events brought people to help with the perception,” Bruni said. “That was a major part of our big application that we submitted to the state in 2016.” She said the funding provided “the jump start” needed to move forward with revitalization.
Building through community
For Bruni, economic development is not simply about attracting businesses. It is also about creating opportunities for residents to participate in the life of their city.
“I think because it strengthens our community, and I think our community wants to support our local businesses,” she said. “They want to get involved. They want to be part of the community.”
She described it as “a team effort,” emphasizing that the team includes the entire community. She pointed to Run for Downtown as an example, noting that the event drew its largest attendance and was started by local people and business owners who were proud of their community.
Arts, history and the future
Bruni also sees arts, culture and public spaces as important parts of Middletown’s economic development. The Paramount Theatre, a historic downtown landmark, has been an important part of the city’s revitalization vision. The city describes the theater as an example of community support for restoring a downtown landmark and developing the area’s cultural life.
Today, the venue hosts movies, concerts and arts events, while outdoor programming brings residents and visitors together.
“The arts are an economic development driver for not only the region [but] our community as well,” Bruni said.
She also pointed to the city’s parks, reservoir trails, educational institutions and historic buildings as assets that can attract families, students, businesses and visitors. One example is the restoration of the OMW station, which Bruni said will eventually house RECAP’s Head Start child care services.
“Child care is very important,” she said. “That’s looking towards the future because we need child care in our community.”
Looking ahead
For anyone considering opening a business or investing in Middletown, Bruni encourages people to learn about the city, talk with local business owners and connect with the Economic & Community Development office.
“Just talk to the neighbors. Talk to fellow business people. Come to our office,” she said. “We’re here to share, and help and assist folks in locating in not just downtown, but in our city as well.”
Looking ahead, Bruni said she is excited by the city’s continued growth and the affection residents have for Middletown.
“I’m excited about the continued growth, and I’m excited about the love that people have for our city,” she said. “I love that our city has always been a diverse city, and it will continue to be a diverse city, because that brings everybody together.”
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