Photo: SimpleImages / Moment / Getty Images
Middletown is embarking on a project to revitalize the Middletown Community Campus, thanks to a $250,772 Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) planning grant from the New York State Department of State. The grant will support a community-driven plan to repurpose the 270-acre site, which was once the Middletown Psychiatric Center, into a vibrant part of the city. The campus currently houses Fei Tian College, Northern Academy, and various public and private entities, though many areas remain underutilized.
The project aims to create a comprehensive vision for the campus, integrating it with the city and exploring potential redevelopment approaches for historical and underused sites. The planning process will be led by Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, a nonprofit organization known for its objective research and planning in the region. The project is expected to take about two years to complete, culminating in a final BOA plan that will be submitted to the state for official designation.
This designation would prioritize development in the area for state programs and unlock tax credits for property owners and developers. The planning process will involve community engagement meetings and workshops to gather input from Middletown residents and stakeholders. According to the City of Middletown, the initiative builds upon recent public and private investments and aims to improve the quality of life in the community.
Middletown City School District is also involved, encouraging community input through surveys to shape the future of the campus. The survey is open until the end of May, allowing residents to share their vision for the site. The project represents a significant step in the city's efforts to revitalize the area and enhance community engagement.