Middletown Delegation Secures $8M for Northern Middlesex YMCA
Today, State Senators Matt Lesser and Jan Hochadel, and State Representatives Kai Belton and Brandon Chafee welcomed $8 million in state Community Investment Fund dollars for renovations to the Northern Middlesex YMCA. This money will fund facility renovations including a focus on ADA access, creating multi-generational spaces and increasing early childhood and preschool care.
“The Northern Middlesex YMCA has been a fixture in Middletown’s downtown since it was first built in 1928,” said Sen. Matt Lesser. “The investment made today is an affirmation of the Y’s central role serving the Middlesex County area, and today’s funding is particularly important is many ways including supporting the Y’s preschool and early childhood programs which are critical for our economy. Today’s funding announcement represents the final piece in a multi-year effort, supported with generous private and corporate donations, state and federal funding, to transform Middletown’s Y to serve Middletown in the 21st century. I was present for a meeting many years ago, along with the late State Representative Q Williams, when Michele Rulnick first laid out her vision for transforming the Y and it is incredible to think that with this last major investment it is now coming to fruition.”
“Outstanding resources like the Northern Middlesex YMCA should be accessible to everyone in our community and this action by the Community Investment Fund board puts us one step closer to making that a reality by funding this critical project,” Sen. Jan Hochadel said. “Creating inclusive spaces, boosting childcare availability, and expanding ADA access will make the Y more accessible to families across the region. I’m grateful to see this investment in our future.”
“The Northern Middlesex YMCA has long been a pillar of our community, offering vital services and programs for residents of all ages. This $8 million investment is a huge win for Middletown and represents the Y’s commitment to the health, wellness, and strength of our families. I am deeply grateful to Governor Lamont and the CIF Board for this transformative funding, which will ensure the YMCA can continue to grow and serve as a place of support, connection, and opportunity for years to come,” said Rep Kai Belton.
“I am very appreciative of the CIF’s commitment to Middletown and specifically, one of its most beloved facilities, the Northern Middlesex YMCA, which will receive funding for the renovations, expansion to add ADA access, and increase childcare and preschool care,” Rep. Brandon Chafee said. “I’m confident these renovations and additions will only increase the positive impact the YMCA already has on the city and surrounding areas.”
“We are incredibly excited and grateful for this opportunity,” said Michele Rulnick, President/CEO of the Northern Middlesex YMCA. “This renovation will allow us to expand our programs and serve even more families, strengthening our commitment to a healthier, more engaged community.”
This funding supports this historic YMCA’s strategic vision to provide equitable access to programs and services for all ages that improve the quality life of the greater Middletown community. The facility renovation and expansion project will total $15 million. This project is supported through state, federal and private dollars. The CIF funding approved today will cover over half of the total cost, following $2 million in state bonding allocated in June. This spring, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro announced that she secured $1.1 million in federal Community Project Funding and the Liberty Bank Team also made a $1 million donation.
Specifically, this renovation project aims to address the following critical needs:
-Relocate the main entrance to improve accessibility and safety throughout the facility
-Add an elevator and address ADA compliance
-Modernize and enhance the energy efficiency of the facility
-Create multigenerational, multi-use spaces that inspire community building and wellness
-Dedicated, safe space for youth to socialize and engage in youth development services
-Gender-neutral changing rooms and bathrooms
-Expanded space to engage in future partnerships with community-based organizations and to grow childcare services with new preschool classrooms and infant/toddler care
-The Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) fosters economic development in historically underserved communities across the state. CIF will provide a total of up to $875 million to eligible municipalities as well as not-for-profit organizations and community development corporations that operate within them.
Grants are available for:
-Capital improvement programs, such as brownfield remediation, affordable housing, infrastructure, clean energy development, and home or public facility rehabilitation
-Small business capital programs, including revolving or micro loan programs, gap financing, and start-up funds to establish small businesses
-Planning for capital projects including activities such as community engagement processes, feasibility studies, development of project plan and construction budget. |
