State Grant Opportunity for Community Centers Gets Port Jervis Strategizing
Youth and senior groups have said what they want, and a grant application will be made accordingly after surveys and more public discussion.
To support people in getting off their phones for constructive gatherings, recently New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced funding availability from the new Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS) capital grant program. According to Hochul’s website, “NY BRICKS offers grants between $250,000 and $15 million to acquire, design, construct or reconstruct facilities, provide major renovations, improvements, and modernization or rehabilitation of community centers.
For Valerie Maginsky, executive director of Port Jervis Community Development Agency, this offer is appealing. For years, Port Jervis officials, egged on by local youth and seniors, have talked about having a new community recreation facility, even investing money in designing one, in 2020, that would have involved renovating Farnum House, as initiated by former Mayor Kelly Decker. That proposal was voted down.
So as Maginsky prepares to write a grant application, due by Aug 15, youth and seniors have been given opportunities to convene at separate gatherings to talk about what they would like to see a community center include. On June 11, Jonathan Drapkin, president of Patterns for Progress and consultant for Port Jervis, led a group of about 92 seniors—three men and the rest women— at 1 p.m. at the Goodwill Church hall and a group of youth at 6 p.m.— three kids and 13 adults— at Port Jervis Recreation Center, in discussing what they want for a community center.
Each group wanted much of the same things, Maginsky said. They wanted a “maker space” to do arts and crafts, a gym for basketball, indoor walking tracks, a stage, classrooms where different activities could be held at the same time, a kitchen and perhaps a weight room.
“The kids need more socializing away from their phones, and the seniors need more social opportunities because they lose their mates and become isolated,” said Maginsky. “But a pool is not under consideration.”
Another listening session will soon be scheduled and a survey will be conducted, said John Faggione, executive director of Port Jervis Recreation Department.
“I agree with the kids and seniors,” he said. “We need an indoor gym, a multi-purpose room, a conference room, a kitchen and an outdoor space. We’re outgrowing the recreation center. Kids need a place to run around, an exercise room and a gymnasium. It should be away from busy streets. Pike St., where the Rec. Center is, has parking and traffic issues. I’m working with Valerie. We’ll have a good application and hope to fund this ambitious project.”
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that funding is available from the new $100 million Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS) capital grant program. Governor Hochul secured this funding in the FY 2026 Enacted Budget to support municipalities and nonprofit organizations in building or renovating community centers that promote physical health, mental well-being, and community connections for youth and older adults. NY BRICKS will offer grants of up to $15 million to fund design, construction, renovation, and land acquisition for these centers. Priority will be given to projects in underserved communities, as well as those offering affordable services like childcare, eldercare, and mental health counseling. The program aims to make transformative, high-impact investments in local communities. This announcement builds on Governor Hochul’s ‘Unplug and Play’ initiative to get kids off of their phones by funding playgrounds, community centers, affordable sports programs and recreational opportunities.
“Every New Yorker deserves a safe, welcoming space to grow, connect, and thrive,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re investing in the future of our communities — creating vibrant centers where kids can play, seniors can stay active, and families can access the support they need. This is about building more than infrastructure — it’s about building opportunity, equity, and well-being in every corner of our state.”
As part of Governor Hochul’s FY 2026 Enacted Budget and State of the State proposals, NY BRICKS offers grants between $250,000 and $15 million to acquire, design, construct or reconstruct facilities, provide major renovations, improvements, and modernization or rehabilitation of community centers. The Request for Applications (RFA) for funding was posted today at dasny.org/BRICKS and parks.ny.gov.
The application period for the NY BRICKS capital grant program will open on July 14, 2025 and applications must be submitted by August 15, 2025. Awards are expected to be announced no earlier than November 1, 2025. Applications will be evaluated on characteristics of projects’ need, impact, and viability. NY BRICKS grants will require applicants to provide a 20 percent matching contribution towards the overall project cost. Not-for-profit entities must receive approved prequalification status in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) prior to the submission of their application and must remain prequalified through the execution of the Grant Disbursement Agreement and payment of all requisitions.
Dormitory Authority of the State of New York President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, “DASNY is proud to administer NY BRICKS grants that will strengthen communities across New York State. These investments in community centers represent more than just buildings — they’re foundations for healthier, more connected neighborhoods. We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership in securing this critical funding that will help municipalities and nonprofits create spaces where families and communities can thrive.”
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The problem is that in, er, diverse communities with vastly differing standards of conduct among demographics, "public" spaces quickly transform into places decent folk fear to venture, so that those with means create private spaces and private associations that are safe, clean and civilized. I believe the city stopped hosting Halloween festivities at Farnum because of a succession of brawls and even a stabbing. We're not legally allowed to protect our public spaces from certain slices of the population that are low IQ, and prone to theft and violence. So how well do these airy fairy, hippie dippie proposals inevitably turn out?