Middletown updates: parking garage progress, court relocation, water projects and O&W engineering contract modification

City officials reported progress on multiple infrastructure and capital projects and the City Council approved a revised contract for engineering on the O & W project.

President Rodriguez updated the council on the downtown parking garage phase 1, saying work near Washington Street is visible and the project should add about 80 parking spaces when complete. He said some parking rows were temporarily lost during construction and advised motorists to note new layouts.

Rodriguez said the city court expansion is on schedule for completion in December. He said the project is funded in part through a prior acquisition grant and noted Senator Scoofus secured $3,000,000 toward the roughly $6,000,000 construction cost; both city courts will move from the police station basement to space on the first floor once the work is complete.

Leonora (DPW/finance staff) and the DPW commissioner reported work on water infrastructure: the city submitted an application for approximately $8.5 million in funding from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) for raw water-line phase 1, with an estimated $4.5 million in grant funding, roughly $3 million in revolving‑fund financing the city must pay back, and about $1 million in funding from Congressman Pat Ryan via EPA sources. Design work has begun but was described as slowed pending finalization of grant awards.

Officials also reported design progress on a 24‑inch low‑pressure water line replacement, with approximately $3.5 million available for that work through congressional assistance.

Separately, the council approved a resolution authorizing a revised agreement with Fusco Engineering for design, construction management and incidental services for the O & W project. Alderman Green sponsored that resolution and Alderman Ray seconded; roll call recorded unanimous ayes and the measure carried.

Council members also approved transfers within the Department of Public Works budget for a paint‑striping machine and for additional signage and painting, both explained by Alderman Kleiner as necessary due to tariff-driven aluminum price increases reported by a vendor.

The council accepted a National Fitness Campaign grant to install fitness equipment in Maple Hill Park, an award described by Rodriguez and staff as aided by a $250,000 contribution from Senator Scoofus and a $40,000 grant from MVP (an insurance company partner). The fitness equipment grant resolution was approved unanimously.

Council approvals were recorded by roll call on each resolution; no agenda item related to these projects was tabled or failed during the meeting.

Next steps: staff said they will continue design work as grants are finalized and will coordinate utility work with Orange and Rockland to allow the parking garage contractor to proceed.